CD147, also known as basigin and extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, is a 38-58 kDa glycoprotein with multiple glycosylated forms. CD147 is a plasma membrane protein that is important in spermatogenesis, embryo implantation, neural network formation, and tumor progression. CD147 is also a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. The highest level of CD147 expression is on metabolically active cells, such as lymphoblasts, inflammatory cells, brown adipocytes and malignant tumor cells. CD147 has multiple functions, including facilitating of cell surface expression of monocarboxylate transporter proteins and extracellular matrix metalloproteinases, regulation of integrin functions, it plays roles in cell development and activation, fetal development or retinal function.