Abstract: CD44 is a family of trans-membrane glycoproteins that are widely expressed on many kinds of cells and tissues derived from epithelial, mesenchymal, hematopoietic and mesodermal origins. CD44 proteins as a guide of lymphocyte homing and then were found to play important roles in various physiological and pathological processes such as hematopoiesis, immune response (lymphocyte activation and homing), development, wound healing, inflammation and tumor migration. This review outlines the relation between structure and function of CD44 and analyses its functions of cancer progression.

Key words: CD44, tumorigenesis, receptor, hyaluronic acid