Investigating the molecular regulation of the hyaluronan receptor CD44 and its association with ERM (ezrin, radixin, moesin) proteins in membrane:cytoskeletal junctional complexes.

Fibroblasts expressing CD44
Fibroblasts expressing CD44

Our laboratory has a long history in investigating the molecular regulation of the hyaluronan receptor CD44 and its association with ERM (ezrin, radixin, moesin) proteins in membrane:cytoskeletal junctional complexes. Currently our CD44 project has two main focuses.

We are continuing to dissect the mechanisms by which CD44 regulates its association with ERM proteins and in particular how these interactions modulate CD44-dependent cell migration and chemotaxis (Tzircotis et al., 2005).

We are investigating the role of CD44 in modulating matrix metalloproteinase activity during angiogenesis and tumour cell invasion.
complexes.