CCN2/decorin interactions: a novel approach to combating fibrosis?

CCN2 (connective tissue growth factor, CTGF), a member of the CCN family is overexpressed in fibrotic disease and is essential for the development of experimental fibrosis. Drugs targeting CCN2 action may therefore prove to be useful anti-fibrotic approaches. CCN2 acts via integrins and heparan sulfate-containing proteoglycans (HSPGs). In a recent study, Vial and colleagues (2011) show that decorin can bind CCN2. A peptide corresponding to the leucine rich repeats peptide 12 region of decorin can neutralize CCN2-mediated activity on C2C12 cells in vitro. Thus it is conceivable that this peptide could be used in the future as a novel antifibrotic approach.