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Yin and Yang: CCN3 inhibits the pro-fibrotic effects of CCN2

Andrew Leask1

  • 1Canadian Institutes of Health Research Group in Skeletal Development and Remodeling, Division of Oral Biology and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada, andrew.leask@schulich.uwo.ca.

Journal of Cell Communication and Signaling
|May 29, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) drives fibrotic disease. CCN3 (nov) antagonizes CTGF, suggesting CCN3 as a potential anti-fibrotic therapy for fibrotic conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Fibrotic diseases are a major cause of mortality.
  • Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) is a key mediator of fibrosis, often induced by transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta).
  • The CCN family of matricellular proteins includes members that can modulate CCN2's fibrogenic actions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of CCN3 (nov) in modulating the fibrogenic effects of CCN2 (CTGF).
  • To explore the potential of CCN3 as a novel therapeutic agent against fibrotic diseases.

Main Methods:

  • The study by Riser and colleagues (Am J Pathol. 174:1725-34, 2009) demonstrated CCN3's antagonistic effect on CCN2.
  • Analysis of CCN family interactions in fibrotic pathways.

Main Results:

  • CCN3 (nov) was shown to antagonize the pro-fibrotic effects of CCN2 (CTGF).
  • This interaction suggests a regulatory mechanism within the CCN family concerning fibrosis.

Conclusions:

  • CCN3 exhibits anti-fibrotic properties by counteracting CCN2's actions.
  • CCN3 represents a potential novel therapeutic target for treating fibrotic diseases.

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