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Endosialin (CD248) Cancer Role and Therapeutics: 33 Years on
Beverly A Teicher1, Li Chen2, Dianne L Newton3
1Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland.
Abstract:
Since its discovery more than 30 years ago, our understanding of the function of CD248 [also known as endosialin or tumor endothelial marker 1 (TEM1)] as a therapeutic target has evolved, and CD248 is now recognized as a potentially valuable target for therapeutics directed toward sarcomas and fibrotic diseases. The current study reviews the literature related to CD248 and examines CD248 expression across various models including patient-derived xenografts, patient-derived cell lines (pdmr.cancer.gov/), and large cell line collections, including the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and the GDSC-MGH-Sanger. CD248 is highly and selectively expressed by sarcomas and by pericytes in tumor vasculature and wound-healing vasculature. It is a component of a multi-protein complex which connects various cell types into tissue structure. Multiple therapeutic approaches are being investigated to take advantage of CD248 in the treatment of sarcomas and fibrotic diseases. Endosialin/CD248/TEM1 is a promising biological target that remains poorly explored in cancer therapy. Importantly, CD248 is overexpressed in several human solid tumors and absent in most normal adult tissues, making it a suitable and potentially safe target for radioimmunotherapy, particularly in Ewing sarcoma xenograft models.
Insights
CD248 (endosialin) is a promising therapeutic target for sarcomas and fibrotic diseases due to its selective expression in tumors. Research explores its role in cancer therapy, particularly for Ewing
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- CD248, also known as endosialin or TEM1, has emerged as a significant therapeutic target.
- Its function has been extensively studied over the past 30 years, revealing its potential in treating specific diseases.
- CD248 plays a role in tissue structure by connecting different cell types within a multi-protein complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on CD248 (endosialin/TEM1) and its therapeutic potential.
- To examine the expression patterns of CD248 in various preclinical models and cell line collections.
- To highlight CD248 as a target for novel cancer therapies, especially for sarcomas and fibrotic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on CD248 function and therapeutic targeting.
- Analysis of CD248 expression in patient-derived xenografts and cell lines.
- Examination of data from large cell line collections like CCLE and GDSC-MGH-Sanger.
Main Results:
- CD248 is highly and selectively expressed in sarcomas.
- It is also found in pericytes within tumor and wound-healing vasculature.
- CD248 is overexpressed in several human solid tumors but largely absent in normal adult tissues.
Conclusions:
- CD248 (endosialin/TEM1) is a promising therapeutic target for sarcomas and fibrotic diseases.
- Its selective expression profile makes it a potentially safe target for radioimmunotherapy.
- Further exploration of CD248 in cancer therapy, particularly for Ewing's sarcoma, is warranted.
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