CD44 and cancer: Furthermore, CD44 was required to promote TGF-β-induced EMT-related gene expression since sorted CD44-postive but not CD44-negative PLC/PRF/5 cells exhibit EMT-related gene induction in the presence of TGF-β.73 The CD44-positive cells also showed enhanced migratory and invasive ability.73 This indicated that CD44, which is one marker for cancer stemness, was involved in the plasticity of cancer cells to transit into the more aggressive mesenchymal state.