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Human CD38: a glycoprotein in search of a function
F Malavasi1, A Funaro, S Roggero
1Laboratorio di Biologia Cellulare, Universitá di Torino, Italy.
Immunology Today
|March 1, 1994
Summary
The human CD38 molecule is a multifunctional protein involved in signal transduction, cell adhesion, and cyclic ADP-ribose synthesis. This review consolidates current information on its diverse biological activities.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The CD38 molecule is a cell surface receptor expressed on various immune cells and other cell types.
- Its precise biological functions have been a subject of ongoing research due to its diverse activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consolidate and review the existing literature on the human CD38 molecule.
- To highlight its multifaceted roles in cellular processes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of published research.
- Analysis of experimental data pertaining to CD38 function.
Main Results:
- CD38 mediates critical cellular functions including signal transduction pathways.
- It plays a role in cell adhesion processes.
- CD38 is involved in the synthesis of cyclic ADP-ribose, a key second messenger.
Conclusions:
- The human CD38 molecule is a highly versatile protein with significant implications in cellular biology.
- Further research into CD38's functions may reveal novel therapeutic targets.