CTGF/Hcs24 as a multifunctional growth factor for fibroblasts, chondrocytes and vascular endothelial cells.
Connective tissue growth factor/hypertrophic chondrocyte-specific gene product 24 (CTGF/Hcs24), a member of the CCN family, is a multifunctional growth factor for fibroblasts, chondrocytes and vascular endothelial cells. Depending on the type of cell with which it interacts, it promotes chemotaxis, migration, adhesion, proliferation, differentiation and/or extracellular matrix formation. Because gene expression of CTGF/Hcs24 is maximal in hypertrophic chondrocytes in the physiological state, a major physiological role for this factor should be the promotion of endochondral ossification. On the other hand, its expression is up-regulated during wound healing, indicating the involvement of this factor in this process as well. When overexpressed, CTGF/Hcs24 may cause pathological states such as fibrotic disorders and angiogenic diseases. This review focuses on the physiological and pathological significances of this novel type of growth factor.
Takigawa
Masaharu
M
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry, Japan. takigawa@md.okayama-u.ac.jp
D000818:Animals; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D055513:Connective Tissue Growth Factor; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic
C526317:CCN2 protein, human; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D055513:Connective Tissue Growth Factor