Role of CD44 and Variants in Membrane-Cytoskeleton Interactions, Adhesion, Metastasis and Human Breast Cancers.

Abstract

CD44 is the major hyaluronan cell surface receptor, and functions as an adhesion molecule in many different cell types including human breast epithelial cells. The coexpression of certain CD44 variants (CD44v), such as CD44v (v10/ex14), with CD44s (standard form) appears to be closely associated with human breast tumor metastasis. In this study we have established a stable transfection of CD44v (v10/ex14) cDNA into normal human breast epithelial cells (HBL100) which contain endogenous CD44s. Our results indicate that coexpression of both CD44v (v10/ex14) and CD44s alters the following important biological properties of these cells: (a) there is a significant reduction in hyaluronic acid (HA) -mediated cell adhesion; (b) there is an increased migration capability in collagen-matrix gel; and (c) these cells constitutively produce certain angiogenic factors which effectively promote tumorigenesis in athymic nude mice. These findings suggest that coexpression of CD44v (v10/ex14) and CD44s may trigger the onset of cell transformation required for breast cancer development.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1996
Accession Number
ADA315951

Entities

People

  • Lilly Bourguignon

Organizations

  • University of Miami

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Adhesion
  • Breast Cancer
  • Carcinoma
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Cellular Structures
  • Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
  • Confocal Microscopy
  • Cytoskeleton
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Laser Microscopy
  • Molecular Dynamics
  • Molecules
  • Neoplasms
  • Standards
  • Tissues

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Canine Service Warrior Training Program for Wounded Warriors in the Veterinary Industry, Supported by Donors.
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Oncology (Cancer Research).