CD36 Receptor ∞ Area

CD36 Receptor

Meaning

CD36 receptor is a scavenger receptor protein found on the surface of various cells, recognized for its role in binding and internalizing diverse ligands, including oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDLs), long-chain fatty acids, and thrombospondin-1. It functions as a multi-ligand receptor involved in lipid metabolism, immune responses, and angiogenesis.

Context

This receptor is broadly distributed across many cell types, including macrophages, adipocytes, platelets, endothelial cells, and taste receptor cells, playing a significant role in metabolic regulation and inflammatory processes throughout the body. Its presence in tissues central to energy homeostasis, like adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, highlights its involvement in systemic lipid handling.

Significance

CD36’s activity has considerable clinical importance due to its association with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease, as well as its involvement in cancer progression and immune dysregulation. Understanding its function provides insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for these widespread conditions.

Mechanism

CD36 facilitates the uptake of fatty acids into cells, serving as a critical transporter for their cellular utilization and storage, while also mediating the internalization of modified lipoproteins, which contributes to foam cell formation in arterial walls. Its interaction with various signaling pathways influences cellular proliferation, migration, and inflammatory cytokine production.

Application

Clinically, the modulation of CD36 activity is being explored as a strategy for managing dyslipidemia, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, with ongoing research investigating compounds that can selectively inhibit or activate this receptor. Furthermore, its expression levels in specific cell types are considered potential biomarkers for disease progression or therapeutic response in certain conditions.

Metric

The expression levels of CD36 can be assessed using techniques such as flow cytometry on isolated cells, immunohistochemistry on tissue biopsies, or Western blot analysis to quantify protein abundance. Research studies also employ genetic analysis to identify polymorphisms in the CD36 gene that may correlate with metabolic disorders or disease susceptibility.

Risk

Dysregulation of CD36 activity can contribute to adverse health outcomes; for instance, excessive CD36 expression on macrophages can exacerbate lipid accumulation and inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques, while its deficiency in certain contexts might impair fatty acid utilization. Therapeutic interventions targeting CD36 require careful consideration of potential off-target effects on lipid metabolism and immune function to avoid unintended systemic consequences.

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HRTioJuly 20, 2025