Hyaluronan-mediated CD44 Receptor Cancer Cells Progression and the Application of Controlled Drug-delivery System

• Main Author: Abdullah, MA
• Format: Citation Index Journal
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: R Medicine (General)
• Online Access: http://eprints.utp.edu.my/6380/1/IJCuCh1%284%292010.pdf; http://eprints.utp.edu.my/6380/
• Institution: Universiti Teknologi Petronas

Hyaluronan (HA) is a major component of extracellular matrix (ECM) and main ligand of CD44 receptor cells. CD44 belongs to multifunctional transmembrane protein family expressed in both normal and tumor cells. HA is expressed more in cancer cells as compared to normal cells. HA binding to CD44 mediate oncogenic signaling, metastasis and cytoskeleton activation leading to tumor invasion and growth of tumor cells. HA-CD44 binding and Cytoskeleton signaling pathways are important targets for anti-cancer drug development to curb tumor invasion and metastasis. A polymer drug delivery system such as “Dendrimers” can possibly combat deadly cancer. Globular macromolecular versatile polymer having multivalent, monodisperse and highly branched carrier molecule will play a major role in targeted control drug delivery against cancer.