Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2026

Micromanipulation of Circulating Tumor Cells for Downstream Molecular Analysis and Metastatic Potential Assessment
Published on: May 14, 2019
Beyond a Surface Marker: The Multifaceted Role of CD38 in Metabolic Disruption and Tumor Progression
1Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Türkiye. ozlemcoskun@comu.edu.tr.
Abstract:
CD38 is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein and serves as the primary ectoenzyme responsible for regulating cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels in mammalian tissues. Initially identified as a lymphocyte activation marker, recent research has revealed its significant role in immunosuppression within oncological processes, NAD+ depletion associated with aging, and exosomal signaling. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the enzymatic functions of CD38, its pathophysiological impacts on both hematological and solid tumors, and the mechanisms of resistance that emerge against anti-CD38 therapies. Furthermore, the potential of CD38 as an exosomal biomarker in liquid biopsy procedures and its function as a "metabolic resetter" for promoting healthy aging are explored.
Related Concept Videos
Metastasis
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
The Tumor Microenvironment