Connective tissue growth factor

Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF), also known as CCN2, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CTGF gene. CTGF is a member of the CCN family of matricellular proteins, which are involved in the regulation of cellular functions such as cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation.

Function

CTGF plays a crucial role in many biological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, angiogenesis, and wound healing. It is also involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases, such as fibrosis, cancer, and atherosclerosis.

Structure

CTGF is a cysteine-rich protein that consists of four distinct modules, including an Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP) domain, a Von Willebrand factor type C (VWC) domain, a Thrombospondin type-1 repeat (TSR) domain, and a C-terminal (CT) domain.

Clinical significance

Overexpression of CTGF has been associated with a variety of fibrotic diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis, and liver fibrosis. In cancer, CTGF has been shown to promote tumor growth and metastasis.

Therapeutic potential

Given its role in fibrosis and cancer, CTGF is considered a potential therapeutic target. Several strategies have been developed to inhibit CTGF, including monoclonal antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and antisense oligonucleotides.

See also

• CCN family
• Fibrosis
• Cancer
• Angiogenesis