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CD44 glycoprotein in cancer: a molecular conundrum hampering clinical applications

Rita Azevedo1,2, Cristiana Gaiteiro1,2,3, Andreia Peixoto1,2,4

  • 11Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Group, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.

Clinical Proteomics
|July 10, 2018
PubMed

Insights

CD44, a key cell receptor, presents diverse forms in cancer, impacting treatment. Systematizing its nomenclature and exploring its glycosylation and splicing are crucial for discovering new cancer biomarkers and neoantigens.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Glycobiology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • CD44 is a heavily glycosylated membrane receptor involved in cell adhesion, signaling, and cytoskeleton organization.
  • It is a significant target in cancer research, linked to cancer stem cells, chemoresistance, and metastasis.
  • CD44 exists as a family of splicing variants with diverse glycosylation, leading to complex roles and nomenclature challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively address CD44's structural diversity and systematize its nomenclature for biomarker discovery.
  • To explore CD44 as a potential source of cancer neoantigens arising from altered splicing and glycosylation.
  • To establish milestones for advancing CD44-related biomarker discovery in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and analysis of CD44 structure, function, and nomenclature.
  • Integration of glycomics with proteogenomics approaches.
  • Utilizing customized protein sequence databases generated via genomics and transcriptomics.

Main Results:

  • Identified structural diversity and ambiguous nomenclature as significant hurdles in CD44 clinical development.
  • Proposed CD44 (glyco)isoforms as potential sources of cancer neoantigens due to altered splicing and glycosylation.
  • Highlighted the availability of advanced analytical and bioinformatics tools for CD44 research.

Conclusions:

  • Systematizing CD44 nomenclature is essential for unlocking its potential as a biomarker.
  • Targeting specific CD44 (glyco)isoforms requires integrated glycomics and proteogenomics strategies.
  • CD44 research holds promise for identifying novel cancer neoantigens and improving therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
CD44CD44 isoformsCancer biomarkersGlycosylationNomenclature

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