Cd36

Fig1. CD36 plays a role in tumor immunity. (Xinzhi Liao, 2022)

What is CD36 protein?

CD36 (CD36 molecule) gene is a protein coding gene which situated on the long arm of chromosome 7 at locus 7q21. The protein encoded by this gene is the fourth major glycoprotein of the platelet surface and serves as a receptor for thrombospondin in platelets and various cell lines. Since thrombospondins are widely distributed proteins involved in a variety of adhesive processes, this protein may have important functions as a cell adhesion molecule. It binds to collagen, thrombospondin, anionic phospholipids and oxidized LDL. It directly mediates cytoadherence of Plasmodium falciparum parasitized erythrocytes and it binds long chain fatty acids and may function in the transport and/or as a regulator of fatty acid transport. The CD36 protein is consisted of 472 amino acids and its molecular mass is approximately 53.1 kDa.

What is the function of CD36 protein?

As a key receptor for fatty acid transmembrane transport, CD36 is involved in the uptake of long-chain fatty acids and is essential for maintaining energy balance and metabolic health. CD36 plays a role in regulating lipid metabolism, affecting the accumulation and breakdown of lipids within cells, and has been linked to the risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. CD36 is involved in signaling during inflammation and promotes the release of inflammatory cytokines by binding ligands such as oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL). As a cell surface molecule, CD36 is involved in intercellular adhesion and plays an important role in the migration and localization of immune cells. CD36 is also involved in iron transport, influencing iron metabolism and utilization by binding to heme. CD36 is involved in the regulation of energy balance by regulating the intake and utilization of fatty acids and is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome.

CD36 Related Signaling Pathway

As a co-receptor of TLR4, CD36 recognizes pathogen-related molecular patterns, activates NF-κB signaling pathway, and regulates natural immune processes. CD36 promotes thrombosis by activating REDOX sensitive signaling molecules, such as ERK5, and interacts with the ox-LDL/CRP/β2GP1 complex to activate the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, inducing lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in macrophages. Cd36-induced signaling cascades lead to activation of specific Src kinase and activation of FAK, promoting foam cell formation and expansion, influencing actin polymerization and macrophage migration. CD36 is related to mTOR signaling pathway, regulating energy metabolism and lipid accumulation. Liquid fructose supplement can activate mTOR signaling pathway and improve CD36 translation efficiency, causing lipid accumulation. CD36 is involved in Fyn/LKB1/AMPK pathway through LKB1 mediated phosphorylation of AMPK, and influences the uptake and oxidation of fatty acids.

CD36 Related Diseases

CD36 is involved in lipid metabolism, and its abnormal expression is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), atherosclerosis (AS), and obesity. CD36 plays a role in atherosclerosis and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. CD36 is expressed in a variety of tumors, including breast, brain, and ovarian cancers, and its expression levels are associated with poor tumor progression and prognosis. CD36 is involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses and is associated with inflammatory diseases such as metabolic inflammatory syndrome (MIS). As a pattern recognition receptor, CD36 participates in natural immune processes and is associated with the occurrence and development of some infectious diseases. CD36 plays a role in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). CD36 may play a role in the development of chronic kidney disease by mediating lipid deposition and inflammatory responses in the kidneys.

Bioapplications of CD36

Because of its role in a variety of diseases, CD36 is an important research target, helping to shed light on the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases. As a potential target for drug development, CD36 is being investigated for the development of small molecule inhibitors and antibody drugs targeting this protein for the treatment of the above-mentioned related diseases.