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Matrix Biology

Publication date: 2018-08-01
Volume: 68-69 Pages: 44 - 66
Publisher: Elsevier

Author:

Ramazani, Yasaman
Knops, Noel ; Elmonem, Mohamed A ; Nguyen, Tri O ; Arcolino, Fanny Oliveira ; van den Heuvel, Lambert ; Levtchenko, Elena ; Kuypers, Dirk ; Goldschmeding, Roel

Keywords:

Science & Technology, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Connective tissue growth factor, CCN2, Matricellular protein, Fibrosis, Marker and therapeutic target, HEPATIC STELLATE CELLS, IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY-FIBROSIS, FACTOR GENE-EXPRESSION, EPITHELIAL-MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION, MESSENGER-RNA EXPRESSION, FACTOR-BETA, TGF-BETA, FACTOR CTGF/CCN2, CCN FAMILY, MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODY, Biomarkers, Cell Adhesion, Cell Differentiation, Cell Proliferation, Connective Tissue Growth Factor, Gene Expression Regulation, Humans, Neoplasms, Translational Research, Biomedical, Wound Healing, EXTRACELLULAR-MATRIX PRODUCTION, ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC-LEUKEMIA, DIABETIC-NEPHROPATHY, RENAL FIBROSIS, 06 Biological Sciences, 31 Biological sciences

Abstract:

Connective tissue growth factor, also known as CCN2, is a cysteine-rich matricellular protein involved in the control of biological processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion and angiogenesis, as well as multiple pathologies, such as tumor development and tissue fibrosis. Here, we describe the molecular and biological characteristics of CTGF, its regulation and various functions in the spectrum of development and regeneration to fibrosis. We further outline the preclinical and clinical studies concerning compounds targeting CTGF in various pathologies with the focus on heart, lung, liver, kidney and solid organ transplantation. Finally, we address the advances and pitfalls of translational fibrosis research and provide suggestions to move towards a better management of fibrosis.