CD146, a therapeutic target involved in cell plasticity

Area of Science:

• Biomarkers
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Medicine

Background:

• CD146 identified as advanced melanoma marker in the 1980s.
• CD146 functions in embryonic development, tissue repair, regeneration, tumor progression, fibrosis, and inflammation.
• CD146 acts as a receptor or co-receptor in multiple signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the research history and diverse roles of CD146.
• To propose cell plasticity as the unifying mechanism for CD146 functions.
• To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting CD146.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research findings.
• Analysis of CD146's involvement in physiological and pathological processes.
• Conceptual framework development linking CD146 to cell plasticity.

Main Results:

• CD146 is implicated in a wide array of biological processes and diseases.
• Cell plasticity is proposed as the core mechanism underlying CD146's multifaceted roles.
• Targeting CD146 shows promise for therapeutic interventions.

Conclusions:

• CD146's involvement in cell plasticity drives its roles in development, regeneration, and disease.
• Halting CD146-mediated cell state shifting is a potential therapeutic strategy.
• Targeting CD146 offers significant practical value for disease treatment.