D147 (Basigin/EMMPRIN) is a type I integral membrane receptor protein belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily. CD147 is a glycosylated protein with four known isoforms with isoform 2 being the most abundantly expressed. In many cancers, CD147 is overexpressed and stimulates the secretion of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases by tumor fibroblasts, which can promote tumor progression. CD147 is co-expressed with the amino acid transporter, CD98h, in metabolically active cells such as lymphocytes, macrophages, and tumor cells. CD147 interaction with caveolin and cyclophilins regulates its functions, and this protein may function outside of tumor cells through cell shedding and microvesicle release.
