Molecular analysis of CD44 on cell adhesion and migration

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CD44 is a cell adhesion molecule expressed on many cells in your body, but we are interested in its function on white blood cells. These are cells of the immune system and we are particularly interested in the function of CD44 on T cells, the cells that control immune responses. CD44 is a molecule that has been implicated in helping white blood cells get to the site of infection, in resolving an inflammatory response, in wound healing and in the migration of tumor cells that results in metastasis. It is our hypothesis that the function of this molecule in cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions is to interact with its ligand, then signal to the cell to either stay or go. We are interested in determining how the interaction of CD44 with its ligand affects T cell adhesion and migration and how CD44 signals to the cytoskeletal machinery to mediate these effects. We intend to identify the molecular signals responsible for transmitting the signal from CD44 to the cell cytoskeleton. We have already initiated this process and have found an enzyme that is associated with CD44 inside the cell. We are now looking for substrates of this enzyme, to follow the signaling pathway downstream. This is being done using immunochemistry and biochemical techniques. In addition, we will determine how the interaction of CD44 with its ligand modifies T cell adhesion or migration and will identify the molecular basis for this modulation. By understanding the signals that regulate cell adhesion and migration we will better understand how the immune system functions and is regulated. We depend on these cells to be at the right place at the right time to effectively protect us against disease. This basic research into what makes a cell stop and what makes a cell go is of fundamental importance in cell biology. Understanding at the molecular level what regulates immune cell adhesion and migration is an important step towards the future development of new biotechnologies designed to facilitate, mimic or prevent cell movement or cell adhesion. By investing in this basic research, Canadians are ensuring the continuation of scientific discovery and progress for future generations.