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Structure and Function of CD44: Characteristic Molecular Features and Analysis of the Hyaluronan Binding Site

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Mammalian Carbohydrate Recognition Systems

Part of the book series: Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation ((RESULTS,volume 33))

Abstract

CD44 is a cell surface glycoprotein belonging to the cartilage link protein family. It is a major receptor for hyaluronan (HA), a component of the extra-cellular matrix, but also binds other ligands. The N-terminal extracellular link domain of CD44 is critical for HA recognition. In the immune system, CD44 plays a role both as a cell adhesion molecule and as a signaling molecule. Many isoforms of CD44 can be expressed and post-translationally modified in a cell-specific manner. This structural diversity correlates with a diverse array of functional properties, some of which are not well understood.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA

    Jürgen Bajorath

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  1. Jürgen Bajorath
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. The Wellcome Trust Building, Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Dundee, DD1 4HN, Dundee, Scotland

    Paul R. Crocker

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© 2001 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Bajorath, J. (2001). Structure and Function of CD44: Characteristic Molecular Features and Analysis of the Hyaluronan Binding Site. In: Crocker, P.R. (eds) Mammalian Carbohydrate Recognition Systems. Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation, vol 33. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-46410-5_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-46410-5_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-53670-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-46410-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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