CD36

CD36 (cluster of differentiation 36), also known as FAT (fatty acid translocase), FAT/CD36, (FAT)/CD36, SCARB3, GP88, glycoprotein IV (gpIV), and glycoprotein IIIb (gpIIIb), is an integral membrane protein found on the surface of many cell types in vertebrate animals. CD36 is a member of the class B scavenger receptor family of cell surface proteins. CD36 binds many ligands including collagen,thrombospondin,erythrocytes parasitized with Plasmodium falciparum, oxidized low density lipoprotein, native lipoproteins, oxidized phospholipids, and long-chain fatty acids.

Recent work using genetically modified rodents have identified a clear role for CD36 in fatty acid metabolism,heart disease, taste, and dietary fat processing in the intestine. It may be involved in glucose intolerance, atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, diabetes, cardiomyopathy and Alzheimer's disease.

Structure

Primary

In humans, rats and mice, CD36 consists of 472 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 53,000 Da. However, CD36 is extensively glycosylated and has an apparent molecular weight of 88,000 Da as determined by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.