EN
CD44 is a widely distributed type I transmembrane glycoprotein and functions as the major hyaluronan receptor on most cell types. CD44 through interaction with actin cytoskeleton affects the transmission of signals from the outside to the inside of the cell in many tissues and organs. Primary cultures of astrocyte are diverse in their morphology and many factors can influence on it. In vivo astrocyte also are able to change their shape in response to various stimuli. The appearance of reactive astrocytes in vivo with thicker and longer processes and increased cellular content of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) has been observed in the CNS after various types of injury caused by physical, chemical, and pathological trauma. Furthermore, it has been showed that CD44 expression increases after brain injury. In our study we investigated the influence of knock down of CD44 by specific shRNA and CD44 overexpression on the astrocytes shape changes. Our results indicate that knock down of CD44 in astrocytes results in more regular and flat shape. In contrast the overexpression of CD44 promotes more irregular, radial-like shape of astrocyte. Our data support the hypothesis that CD44 plays role in morphological changes of astrocyte and give the opportunity to investigate its role in pathological processes such as brain injury.