Human CD38: a (r)evolutionary story of enzymes and receptors

Human CD38 is the mammalian prototype of a family of proteins which share s tructural similarities and an ectoenzymatic activity involved in the produc tion of calcium mobilizing compounds. Besides the enzymatic activity, the m olecule performs as a receptor, ruling adhesion and signaling in leukocytes . These functions are exerted through the interaction with surface ligands, one of which was identified as CD31. Recently, CD38 has gained attention a s a prognostic marker and a pathogenetic agent in leukemias and in other di seases. Together these insights have produced a model of an as yet unique f amily of molecules, which act independently as receptors and enzymes. (C) 2 001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.