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The CCN axis in cancer development and progression
Herman Yeger1, Bernard Perbal2
1Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Research Institute, SickKids, Toronto, Canada. hermie@sickkids.ca.
Journal of Cell Communication and Signaling
|April 20, 2021
Summary
The CCN (connective tissue growth factor) protein family, CCN1-6, plays a significant role in cancer development and progression. Recent research highlights their complex interactions and potential as therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The CCN family of proteins (CCN1-6) are matricellular proteins involved in cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration.
- Previous reviews in 2016 highlighted their roles in cancer, but recent advances necessitate an updated perspective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive update on the CCN protein family's role in cancer pathogenesis and progression.
- To detail the complex interactions of CCN proteins within the extracellular microenvironment and their intracellular functions.
- To discuss the implications of CCN proteins in various cancer subtypes and their potential as therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of recent research findings on CCN proteins in cancer.
- Harmonization of CCN nomenclature for clarity and comparison.
- Discussion of CCN protein involvement across different cancer subtypes.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in understanding how CCN1-6 proteins contribute to both the promotion and inhibition of cancer.
- CCN proteins interact with extracellular matrix components, cell surface receptors, and regulate gene transcription.
- New insights reveal a greater involvement and importance of CCN proteins in multiple facets of cancer biology.
Conclusions:
- The CCN protein family is critically involved in various aspects of cancer, from initiation to progression.
- Further investigation into CCN proteins is warranted due to intriguing new findings and unresolved questions.
- Understanding CCN proteins offers promising avenues for developing novel cancer therapeutics.
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