Role of CD44 in tumour progression and strategies for targeting

Abstract

CD44 or hyaluronan receptor is a transmembrane receptor associated with aggressive tumour growth, proliferation, and metastasis. In normal physiology, this receptor has a crucial role in cell adhesion, inflammation, and repair processes. However, many tumour cells over-express this receptor and abuse it to become progressive and perpetual units. The article comments from common functioning of the CD44 receptor, to its diabolic multi-dimensional effects in promotion of malignant cells. It also illuminates the relations of CD44 endorsed processes with other biomolecular events in cancer progression. In an end, the review focuses comprehensively at ongoing researches to exploit the CD44 over-expression as a probable target in treatment, management, and diagnosis of malignancy.

Keywords::

• Metastasis
• angiogenesis
• bioconjugates
• nanocarriers
• diagnostics

Acknowledgement

We acknowledge Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, for providing funding and senior research fellowship to one of the authors.

Declaration of interest

The authors reports no declaration of interest.