Though CD44 functions as a cell surface receptor for hyaluronan (HA) in some cell lines, most normal hematopoietic cells expressing CD44 do not bind HA. Certain CD44-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can rapidly induce CD44-mediated HA binding in normal murine T cells. This observation suggests that in vivo mechanisms may exist for activating the HA receptor function of CD44 on normal T cel...

The aim of this current study was to examine the significance of CD44 expression in mediating cancer cell adhesion to human bone marrow endothelial cell(s) (hBMEC). Differential CD44 expression on two metastatic prostate cancer cell lines, PC3 (CD44 +ve) and DU145 (CD44 -ve) and four breast cancer cell lines was confirmed by immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. In cell adhesion assays, PC3 b...

We have examined molecular mechanisms of the PMA-inducible HA binding ability of human lymphocytes. Newly established OS/6 and OS/37, specific for human CD44, specifically inhibited PMA-induced HA binding of several human cell lines, suggesting that both mAb detect HA binding epitope(s) on CD44. Sequential staining revealed that these mAb cross-blocked each other's binding to Molt-4, T lymphobl...

The aim of this current study was to examine the significance of CD44 expression in mediating cancer cell adhesion to human bone marrow endothelial cell(s) (hBMEC). Differential CD44 expression on two metastatic prostate cancer cell lines, PC3 (CD44 ve) and DU145 (CD44 ve) and four breast cancer cell lines was confirmed by immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry. In cell adhesion assays, PC3 but...

CD44 is the principle transmembrane receptor for the extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan. This receptor:ligand interaction plays an essential role in a number of physiological events including tumour progression, lymphocyte homing into inflammatory sites and tissue morphogenesis during development. In previous studies we have shown that serine phosphorylation is a critical control...

PURPOSE Few cells with stem cell characteristics possess capabilities of self-renewal and differentiation, which leads to high tumorigenesis and resistance to standard chemotherapeutic agents. These cells are mostly quiescent, and arrest occurs at the mitotic G0/G1 phase in mitosis. We explored the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the MCF-7 cell cycle with CD44(+)/CD24(-). ...

Control of macrophage capacity for apoptotic cell clearance by soluble mediators such as cytokines, prostaglandins and lipoxins, serum proteins, and glucocorticoids may critically determine the rate at which inflammation resolves. Previous studies suggested that macrophage capacity for clearance of apoptotic neutrophils was profoundly altered following binding of CD44 antibodies. We have used a...

BACKGROUND Cell surface glycoproteins of the CD44 family play roles in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Their aberrant expression has been implicated in tumor invasion and metastasis of a variety of neoplasms, but not, to date, of thymic epithelial tumors. METHODS To investigate the expression of CD44 molecules, immunohistochemical staining using monoclonal antibodies against human CD4...

The precise lineage between neural stem cells and mature astrocytes remains poorly defined. To examine astrocyte development, we have characterized glial precursors from neural tissue derived from early embryonic ages. We show that CD44 identifies an astrocyte-restricted precursor cell (ARP) that is committed to generating astrocytes in vitro and in vivo in both rodent and human tissue. CD44+ c...