The CD147-HYALURONAN Axis in Cancer.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• CD147 (basigin; EMMPRIN), hyaluronan, and hyaluronan receptors are implicated in malignancy.
• Cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit chemoresistance, invasiveness, and tumorigenicity.
• CD147 and hyaluronan are linked to chemoresistance, invasiveness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a key CSC property.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of CD147 and hyaluronan interactions in cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which CD147 influences CSC properties.

Main Methods:

• The study reviews existing evidence on the involvement of CD147, hyaluronan, and their receptors in tumor progression.
• Focuses on the molecular interactions and signaling pathways activated by CD147-hyaluronan-receptor complexes.
• Examines the role of these interactions in the context of cancer stem cell properties and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Main Results:

• CD147 stimulates hyaluronan synthesis and its interaction with receptors like CD44.
• These interactions lead to the formation of signaling complexes within lipid rafts, involving various protein families.
• Multivalent hyaluronan-receptor interactions are crucial for stabilizing these complexes and downstream signaling.

Conclusions:

• CD147-mediated stimulation of hyaluronan-receptor interactions is critical for CSC properties.
• These molecular events contribute significantly to tumor progression and malignancy.
• Targeting CD147-hyaluronan pathways may offer therapeutic strategies against CSCs.