Role of CD44 in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Growth and Metastasis
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive malignancies that arise within peripheral nerves. These tumors occur with increased incidence in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) where they exhibit increased Ras activity due to toss of the NF1 gene product, neurofibromin, and abnormal expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We previously found that MPNSTs express increased levels of the CD44 family of transmembrane glycoproteins that have been implicated in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Here we find that CD44 overexpression, driven by Src kinase activity (and not increased Ras-GTP) contributes to MPNST cell invasion. We further find that EGFR contributes at least part of the elevated Src activity in these cells. CD44 may function in concert with the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase by promoting an autocrine loop involving the c-Met ligand, hepatocyte growth factor.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA411293
Entities
People
- Larry S Sherman
Organizations
- University of Cincinnati