CD36: an emerging therapeutic target for cancer and its molecular mechanisms

Tumor cells need to rewire their metabolic pathways to regulate the nutrient uptake and metabolism to sustain the energy production. Lipids are important components of energy sources for tumor metabolism. Tumor cells rely on various transporters to mediate the trafficking of lipids for oxidation or activate oncogenic signaling pathways. CD36, a membrane glycoprotein presenting on the surface of cells, binds fatty acids to facilitate their transport for lipid utilization. Upregulated CD36 expression has been observed in multiple cancer types including acute myeloid leukemia, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, etc. Moreover, CD36 is correlated with poor clinical outcomes and adverse clinicopathological features in various cancer types. In vitro and vivo studies have confirmed that CD36 participates in the regulation of tumor growth, metastasis, drug resistance through diverse molecular mechanisms. Thus, we firstly discussed the role of CD36 in the regulation of metabolic phenotypes, especially in glucose and fatty acid metabolism. Furthermore, we specifically focused on the molecular mechanisms of CD36 in the occurrence and development of multiple tumor types. Collectively, we explored the connection between CD36 and tumors, providing new insights for developing potential therapeutic strategies and tumor stratification targeting CD36.