CD36 is a membrane glycoprotein on platelets, monocytes and umbilical vein endothelial cells. CD36 binds to collagen, thrombospondin, anionic phospholipids and oxidized LDL. CD36 plays a key role in both phagocytosis and lipid recycling, for constant production of mature spermatozoa. Mutations in this gene cause platelet glycoprotein deficiency. Three alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding the same protein isoform have been found for this gene. Thrombospondins are widely distributed proteins that influence a variety of adhesive processes and CD36 may have important functions as a cell adhesion molecule.