endosialin

Endosialin, also known as CD248, is a type I transmembrane protein encoded by the CD248 gene in humans. It is a member of the C-type lectin superfamily, though it lacks a carbohydrate-binding domain. Endosialin is primarily expressed on endothelial cells and pericytes in developing and adult tissues, and its expression is significantly upregulated in various pathological conditions, including tumors and inflammatory diseases. Its precise function is still under investigation, but it is thought to play roles in cell adhesion, migration, and signaling. Studies suggest endosialin may interact with extracellular matrix proteins and other cell surface receptors. In the context of cancer, endosialin has been implicated in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, making it a potential therapeutic target. Its expression patterns and roles in different biological processes are areas of ongoing research.