Final answer:
The hyaluronic acid receptor implicated in various stages of the metastatic process is CD44, which is crucial for cell migration and tumor progression. The option (A) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hyaluronic acid receptor that plays a role in several stages of the metastatic process is CD44. CD44 interacts with hyaluronic acid, facilitating cell migration, which is a critical component in tumor progression and the metastatic cascade.
molecules, such as selectins, integrins, and RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycation End products), have their roles in cell adhesion and signaling but it is CD44 that has been specifically associated with binding hyaluronic acid in the context of cancer metastasis. Therefore, option (A) is correct.