Connective Tissue Growth Factor: From Molecular Understandings to Drug Discovery

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Pathology

Background:

• Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a crucial signaling molecule.
• CTGF influences cell proliferation, angiogenesis, wound healing, tumor development, and fibrosis.
• Its diverse functions are attributed to interactions between its protein domains and other regulatory molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the structure and biological functions of CTGF domains under physiological conditions.
• To summarize CTGF's role in major diseases and identify potential therapeutic targets.
• To evaluate current CTGF-targeting drugs and propose future aptamer-based inhibitor strategies.

Main Methods:

• Structural analysis of CTGF domains.
• Review of literature on CTGF's role in physiological and pathological processes.
• Analysis of existing CTGF-targeting drugs and aptamer technology.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of CTGF domain structures and their functions.
• Identification of key diseases influenced by CTGF, including cancer and fibrosis.
• Assessment of current drug limitations and potential of aptamer-based inhibitors.

Conclusions:

• CTGF domain structure and interactions are central to its multifaceted roles.
• Targeting CTGF offers therapeutic potential for various diseases.
• Aptamer-based inhibitors represent a promising avenue for next-generation CTGF-targeted therapies.