CD44 and tumor metastasis

Hyaluronic acid receptor CD44 is a kind of adhesion molecules, which is involved in tumor metastasis. Formerly, it was considered that CD44 can promote metastasis, but recent researches indicate that there is a complex relationship between CD44 and metastasis, which is concerning with the molecular isoforms of CD44 and the tissue type of tumor. So it have become more important to learn about the molecular mechanism of CD44. Results of present studies suggest that CD44 can influence tumor cell adhesion, migration and the degradation of extracellular matrix. CD44 will probably become a new mark in diagnoses and target in therapies.