Design of Novel Small Molecule Modulators of CD36 for Metabolic and Oncological Applications

Document Type

Professional Conference

Semester of Graduation

Spring 2026

Abstract

Metastasis accounts for over 90% of cancer related deaths and current studies link CD36 to the development of metastasis in several cancer models. CD36 is a scavenger receptor that is involved in fatty acid uptake and oxidized lipoprotein recognition. In both metabolic disorders and cancer, CD36 activity has been associated with lipid accumulation, insulin resistance, and tumor metastasis, making it a promising yet underexplored therapeutic target. Our current aim is to develop a library of small molecules that can be used to inhibit CD36 thereby decreasing production of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL).
Triple-negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive breast cancer subtypes and it relies heavily on fatty acid uptake to sustain rapid growth and metastatic potential. oxLDL is enriched with reactive oxidized fatty acids, this not only provides an abundant energy source but also contributes to oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory signaling within the tumor microenvironment. oxLDL enhances cancer cell survival, promotes invasion, and fosters a resistance to therapy. Therefore, blocking CD36-mediated oxLDL uptake offers multiple therapeutic strategies such as starving tumors of essential lipid fuels, suppression of metastatic spread, reducing pro-tumor inflammation, and potentially enhancement of standard treatments efficacy.
Our methodology includes computational modeling, molecular docking, and scaffold-based design to predict novel chemical structures capable of interacting with CD36. Candidate compounds were evaluated using Cambridge Crystallographic Data Center molecular docking suite to assess their binding aptitude. Our preliminary findings suggest that incorporating long-chain fatty acids ensure a sustained inhibition of CD36 activity.

Awardee Name

Arys Morman

Academic Major

Chemistry

Project Mentor

Fatima Rivas

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