CD36 Gene: Function, Expression, Mutations & Associated Diseases

The CD36 gene encodes a heavily glycosylated, integral membrane protein belonging to the class B scavenger receptor family. CD36 functions as a multifunctional receptor that binds a diverse range of ligands, including long-chain fatty acids, oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL), thrombospondin, collagen, and apoptotic cells. It plays a critical role in fatty acid uptake and transport, lipid metabolism, innate immunity, and angiogenesis. CD36 is expressed on various cell types, including platelets, monocytes/macrophages, adipocytes, skeletal and cardiac muscle cells, and endothelial cells. Genetic variations in CD36 are associated with platelet glycoprotein deficiency, metabolic syndrome, and susceptibility to malaria.

Tissue Expression

Cell Line Expression

Hotspot Mutations

Mutation functional classification

• Fatty acid metabolism

• PPAR signaling pathway

• Scavenger receptor pathway

• Toll-like receptor signaling (modulation)

• VEGF signaling (angiogenesis)

• Platelet activation

CD36 is a 471-amino acid single-pass type III membrane glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 53 kDa (glycosylated form ~88 kDa). It has a short cytoplasmic N-terminus, a large extracellular loop, and a short cytoplasmic C-terminus. The extracellular domain contains multiple ligand-binding sites and is heavily N-glycosylated. CD36 functions as a homodimer and is localized to lipid rafts on the plasma membrane. It binds long-chain fatty acids with high affinity and facilitates their transport across the membrane. In macrophages, CD36 mediates the uptake of oxidized LDL, leading to foam cell formation. It also acts as a pattern recognition receptor for bacterial and fungal pathogens. The protein is involved in platelet adhesion to collagen and thrombospondin, and in the clearance of apoptotic cells. CD36 undergoes post-translational modifications including palmitoylation and ubiquitination, which regulate its trafficking and degradation.