CD44v10

CD44v10 is a variant isoform of the CD44 cell surface glycoprotein. CD44 is a transmembrane protein involved in cell-cell adhesion, cell migration, and cell signaling. It acts as a receptor for hyaluronic acid, a major component of the extracellular matrix. The CD44 gene can undergo alternative splicing, leading to the production of various isoforms. CD44v10 specifically arises from the inclusion of variant exon 10 in the standard CD44 transcript. This variant exon is often referred to as the "v10" exon.

The expression of CD44v10 is often observed in certain types of cancer cells, and its presence is frequently associated with increased tumor invasiveness, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. Research suggests that CD44v10 may play a role in maintaining cancer stem cell populations, which are thought to drive tumor recurrence and treatment failure. Its specific functions are still under investigation, but it is believed to influence cell adhesion properties and signaling pathways that promote cell survival and proliferation. Therapeutic strategies targeting CD44v10 are being explored as potential treatments for various malignancies.