Open AccessYin and Yang Part Deux: CCN5 inhibits the pro‐fibrotic effects of CCN2
Author(s) -
Leask Andrew
Publication year - 2010
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/s12079-010-0092-0
Subject(s) - ctgf , matricellular protein , fibrosis , connective tissue , growth factor , microbiology and biotechnology , extracellular matrix , medicine , immunology , cancer research , biology , pathology , receptor
There is no treatment for fibrotic disease is a significant cause of mortality. CCN2 Members of the CCN family of matricellular proteins have a characteristic four domain structure. CCN2 (connective tissue growth factor) is believed to play an essential role in fibrogenesis. In a recent paper, data are provided that CCN5 (wisp2), which lacks the carboxy‐terminal heparin‐binding domain shared by the other CCN proteins, may act as a dominant‐negative protein to suppress CCN2‐mediated fibrogenesis. These data are consistent with the notion that different CCN proteins may enhance or suppress each other’s action and also suggest that CCN5, may be used as a novel anti‐fibrotic therapy.