CD151

CD151 is a member of the tetraspanin family of integral membrane proteins. The CD151 gene encodes a four-pass transmembrane glycoprotein that is widely expressed in epithelial and endothelial tissues, as well as platelets. As with other tetraspanins, CD151 contributes to the organization of tetraspanin-enriched microdomains at the cell surface, coordinating interactions among adhesion receptors, signaling molecules, and cytoskeletal components.

CD151 spans the plasma membrane four times and has short intracellular N- and C- termini, a small intracellular loop, and two extracellular loops (EC1 and EC2). Its localization to the cell surface and assembly into tetraspanin-enriched microdomains enable it to modulate receptor organization and cell–matrix contacts.

CD151 participates in protein networks by directly associating with several integrins, including α3β1, α6β4, and α6β1, as well as other tetraspanins. Through these interactions, it promotes cell adhesion, spreading, and migration, influences signal transduction pathways such as those linked to focal adhesions and cytoskeletal remodeling, and can regulate angiogenesis and wound-healing processes.

In human disease, altered CD151 expression and function have been associated with cancer progression and metastasis in multiple tumor types, and the protein is being explored as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. Preclinical studies using antibodies or inhibitors to disrupt CD151-containing complexes have shown reduced cell migration and metastasis in models, highlighting ongoing translational interest.