CD146 Promoter Polymorphism (rs3923594) Is Associated with Recurrence of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma in Chinese Population

CD146 (Cluster of Differentiation 146)

CD146 (cluster of differentiation 146) is an adhesion molecule that is expressed by different cells constituting vessels, particularly endothelial cells. The last 30 years of research in this field have shown that CD146 plays a key role in the control of several vessel functions. Three forms of CD146 have been described, including 2 transmembrane isoforms and a soluble protein that is detectable in the plasma. These CD146 forms mediate pleiotropic functions through homophilic and heterophilic interactions with proteins present on surrounding partners. Several studies used neutralizing antibodies, siRNA, or genetically modified mice to demonstrate the involvement of CD146 in the regulation of angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and leukocyte transmigration. In this review, we will focus on the current knowledge of the roles of CD146 in vascular homeostasis and diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction.

Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibodies to CD146: Thirty Years of Research on Its Potential for Detection and Treatment of Tumors

CD146 (MCAM, MUC18, S-Endo1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to both CAM and mucin families. It exists as different splice variants and is cleaved from the membrane by metalloproteases to generate a soluble form. CD146 is expressed by numerous cancer cells as well as being one of the numerous proteins expressed by the vascular endothelium. It has also been identified on smooth muscle cells, pericytes, and some immune cells. This protein was initially described as an actor involved in tumor growth and metastatic dissemination processes. Some recent works highlighted the role of CD146 in angiogenesis. Interestingly, this knowledge allowed the development of therapeutic and diagnostic tools specifically targeting the different CD146 variants. The first anti-CD146 antibody designed to study the function of this molecule, MUC18, was described by the Pr. J.P. Jonhson in 1987. In this review, we will discuss the 30 following years of research focused on the detection, study, and blocking of this protein in physiological and pathological processes.