Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

A Rapid, Scalable Method for the Isolation, Functional Study, and Analysis of Cell-derived Extracellular Matrix
09:40

A Rapid, Scalable Method for the Isolation, Functional Study, and Analysis of Cell-derived Extracellular Matrix

Published on: January 4, 2017

Taking aim at the extracellular matrix: CCN proteins as emerging therapeutic targets

Joon-Il Jun1, Lester F Lau

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine, 900 S. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA.

Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery
|December 2, 2011
PubMed

Insights

The CCN protein family is vital for development and tissue repair. Targeting these proteins offers potential for treating chronic diseases linked to inflammation and injury.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • CCN proteins are matricellular proteins essential for embryonic development.
  • They play key roles in adult inflammation, wound healing, and tissue repair.
  • Dysregulation of CCN proteins is implicated in various chronic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the fundamental biology of CCN proteins.
  • To explore the involvement of CCN proteins in diverse pathologies.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting CCN proteins and their pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on CCN proteins.
  • Analysis of CCN protein roles in embryonic development and adult tissue repair.
  • Examination of CCN protein involvement in disease pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • CCN proteins are critical regulators of cellular processes.
  • Aberrant CCN expression contributes to fibrosis, cancer, and diabetic complications.
  • Targeting CCN pathways shows promise for novel therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

  • CCN proteins are multifunctional regulators with significant roles in health and disease.
  • Understanding CCN biology is crucial for developing new treatments for chronic inflammatory and fibrotic conditions.
  • CCN-targeted therapies represent a promising avenue for future clinical applications.

More Related Videos

Enrichment of Extracellular Matrix Proteins from Tissues and Digestion into Peptides for Mass Spectrometry Analysis07:28

Enrichment of Extracellular Matrix Proteins from Tissues and Digestion into Peptides for Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Published on: July 23, 2015

Evaluation of the Interplay Between the Complement Protein C1q and Hyaluronic Acid in Promoting Cell Adhesion06:54

Evaluation of the Interplay Between the Complement Protein C1q and Hyaluronic Acid in Promoting Cell Adhesion

Published on: June 15, 2019

Related Concept Videos

The Extracellular Matrix01:42

The Extracellular Matrix

Overview
The Extracellular Matrix01:29

The Extracellular Matrix

Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
Extracellular Matrix01:26

Extracellular Matrix

Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...
Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions01:24

Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions

The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM01:23

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of proteins and glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are essential for the migration and proliferation of cells through the dense matrix network, throughout embryonic development, and throughout morphogenesis. The first MMP activity discovered was a collagenase in a tadpole's tail undergoing metamorphosis. The active collagen deposition and modifications lead to the morphogenesis of tadpoles into the adult body.
A...
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...