[Release of CD44-proteolytic fragments and their functions]

CD44 is a widely distributed cell-adhesion molecule that participates in a number of biological events. CD44 is proteolytically cleaved by other enzymes and the level of its proteolysis is correlated to the cell activity. The CD44-proteolytic peptides including soluble CD44 and CD44 intracellular domain have different functions in cell events. In recent years, a number of researches found the functions of CD44-proteolytic peptides. In this review, the release of CD44-proteolytic peptides and their functions of these peptides were summarized.