Open AccessYin and Yang: CCN3 inhibits the pro‐fibrotic effects of CCN2
Author(s) -
Leask Andrew
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of cell communication and signaling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.329
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1873-961X
pISSN - 1873-9601
DOI - 10.1007/s12079-009-0056-4
Subject(s) - ctgf , matricellular protein , context (archaeology) , transforming growth factor , fibrosis , connective tissue , growth factor , medicine , proinflammatory cytokine , transforming growth factor beta , bioinformatics , cancer research , pathology , extracellular matrix , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , inflammation , receptor , paleontology
Abstract Fibrotic disease is a significant cause of mortality. CCN2 (connective tissue growth factor [CTGF]), a member of the CCN family of matricellular proteins, plays a significant role in driving the fibrogenic effects of cytokines such as transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). It has been proposed that other members of the CCN family can either promote or antagonize the action of CCN2, depending on the context. A recent elegant study published by Bruce Riser and colleagues (Am J Pathol. 174:1725–34, 2009) illustrates that CCN3 (nov) antagonizes the fibrogenic effects of CCN2. This paper, the subject of this commentary, raises the intriguing possibility that CCN3 may be used as a novel anti‐fibrotic therapy.