Cluster of Differentiation (CD36) is a cell-surface, integral membrane glycoprotein; it is a member of the class B scavenger receptor family of cell surface proteins (1). It is located on chromosome 7q11.2 (2). CD36 acts as a receptor for the extracellular matrix glycoproteins thrombospondin and collagen types I and IV, mediates some of the adhesive properties of the erythrocytes parasitized with plasmodium falciparum to the postcapillary venular endothelium, is involved in the transport of long-chain fatty acids, in the binding to oxidized low density lipoprotein and in signal transduction. It also interacts with the platelet-agglutinating protein p37, causing platelet aggregation (3). Recently it was discovered that CD36 has a clear role in Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, diabetes, atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, cardiomyopathy, taste, dietary fat processing in the intestine, glucose intolerance and in fatty acid and glucose metabolism.

CD36 expression is induced during the differentiation of some cell types such as during the differentiation of preadipocytes to adipocytes, premegakaryocytes to platelets, and promonocytes to monocytes and macrophages. However, it practically disappears during the differentiation of erythroblasts to erythrocytes. Its expression levels also vary in some myeloproliferative disorders, therefore, expression of CD36 gene is subjected to developmental and tissue-specific regulation (4). CD36 expression is restricted to platelets, monocytes, some endothelial cells, mammary epithelial cells, adipocytes, activated keratinocytes, erythrocytes and some tumor cell lines (3, 5). CD36 is approximately a 53kDa protein (472amino acids), however, it is extensively glycosylated and has an apparent molecular weight of 88kDa (6).

The CD36-selective antibodies were generated against purified cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) protein. CD36 -antibodies are affinity purified over immobilized antigen based chromatography, and the purified immunoglobulins are stabilized in antibody stabilization buffer. FabGennix Int. Inc., will also provide limited quantities of antigenic blocking protein for CD36 -101AP antibody. Antibodies to CD36 (CD36 -101AP) will label ~88kDa protein in Western blot positive control samples for CD36 and several other tissues.  FabGennix Inc. will also conjugate antibodies with secondary enzymes (alk-Pase or HRP) or fluorescent probes upon request at nominal cost.

For research use only, not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.