TGFβ-Mediated Suppression of CD248 in Non-Cancer Cells Via Canonical Smad-Dependent Signaling Pathways is Uncoupled in Cancer Cells

CD248, also referred to as endosialin and tumor endothelial marker (TEM1) [1] (reviewed in [2]), is a member of a family of type I transmembrane glycoproteins containing C-type lectin-like domains, that includes thrombomodulin [3] and CD93 [4]. Although the mechanisms are not fully elucidated, these molecules all modulate innate immunity, cell proliferation and vascular homeostasis and are potential therapeutic targets for several diseases, including cancer, inflammatory disorders and thrombosis.