Research progress of the role and mechanism of CD146 in blood brain barrier

Cell adhesion molecule CD146 belonging to the immune⁃globulin superfamily member, was initially identified as a melanoma marker. With the development of CD146 research, it was found that CD146 is a neovascularization marker. The CD146 expression is decreased significantly or absent following with the maturation of blood vessels, indicating the critical role of CD146 in the development and maturation of blood vessels. In recent years, numerous studies have reported that CD146 and its soluble form (sCD146) are involved in development and pathological damage of blood brain barrier (BBB). This paper aims to review the role and mechanism of CD146 in BBB. It will be helpful to further explore the potential value of CD146 in various BBB damage⁃related brain diseases. DOI:10.3969/j.issn.1672⁃6731.2020.10.002