Role of CD56 in Normal Kidney Development and Wilms Tumorigenesis

ABSTRACT

The cell-surface glycoprotein CD56 has three major isoforms that play important roles in cell adhesion and signaling, which may promote cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, or migration. It is an important molecule in normal kidney development and acts as a key marker in Wilms tumor stem and progenitor cells. Here, we review the structural and genetic features of the CD56 glycoprotein, and summarize its roles in the normal versus diseased metanephric blastema. We discuss areas of CD56-related research that may complement or improve existing Wilms tumor treatment strategies, including the antibody-drug conjugate lorvotuzumab mertansine that binds to CD56.

KEYWORDS:

• CD56
• NCAM-1
• Kidney development
• Wilms tumor
• Blastema
• Lorvotuzumab mertansine

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.