Cd36, also known as the scavenger receptor B2, is a multifunctional transmembrane glycoprotein. It plays a crucial role in the uptake of long-chain fatty acids, which are the main metabolic substrate in myocardial tissue. It is also involved in lipid signaling, and regulation of lipid storage and oxidation in various tissues. Cd36 is associated with pathways related to lipid metabolism, and its abnormal function is linked to numerous diseases [1,2,7].

In disease-related research, Cd36 deficiency has shown to alleviate diabetic cardiomyopathy and atherosclerosis [1]. In chronic kidney disease models, antagonist blockade or genetic knockout of Cd36 prevented kidney injury, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target [5]. In cancer, the role of Cd36 seems complex as it has been reported to both promote and inhibit cancer progression, affecting growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance [3,4,6].

In conclusion, Cd36 is a key regulator in cellular lipid metabolism. Gene knockout and related functional studies in models like KO mouse models have revealed its significance in various disease conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and cancer. Understanding Cd36's functions through these research models provides potential directions for therapeutic interventions in these diseases.