CD44 Protein, Human (242a.a, HEK293, His)

CD44, a cell-surface receptor, plays a pivotal role in cell-cell interactions, adhesion, and migration, enabling cells to sense and respond to alterations in the tissue microenvironment. Its involvement extends to diverse cellular functions, including the activation, recirculation, and homing of T-lymphocytes, hematopoiesis, inflammation, and response to bacterial infection. CD44 engages various extracellular matrix components, such as hyaluronan/HA, collagen, growth factors, cytokines, or proteases through its ectodomain, serving as a platform for signal transduction. This involves the assembly of protein complexes via its cytoplasmic domain, containing receptor kinases and membrane proteases. Effectors like PKN2, RAC1, RHOA, Rho-kinases, and phospholipase C coordinate signaling pathways with CD44, leading to calcium mobilization and actin-mediated cytoskeleton reorganization, crucial for cell migration and adhesion. CD44 interacts with a spectrum of molecules, including PKN2, TIAM1, TIAM2, hyaluronan, collagen, laminin, fibronectin, UNC119, PDPN, RDX, EZR, MSN, EGFR, and CD74, forming a complex network essential for its diverse cellular functions.