title: The CCN3 (NOV) cell growth regulator: a new tool for molecular medicine.
abstract: The CCN genes encode secreted signaling proteins that participate in fundamental processes including cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation, embryogenesis, tissue remodeling and patterning. Abnormal expression of CCN proteins is associated with several pathological conditions, including vascular diseases, fibrosis and cancer. Understanding the structural and functional basis for the variety of biological properties attributed to CCN proteins is an important challenge. It will help the understanding of their roles in the control of cellular proliferation, differentiation and death, thereby allowing their use for early diagnosis and therapy. In an attempt to evaluate the relevance of CCN3 as a useful tool in modern biomedical technologies, the biological properties of the CCN proteins and the data that established their potential usefulness will briefly be reviewed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D020219:Chondrogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D055513:Connective Tissue Growth Factor; D006801:Humans; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008934:Mitogens / Q000378:metabolism*; D008967:Molecular Biology; D005810:Multigene Family; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D055514:Nephroblastoma Overexpressed Protein; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; C526317:CCN2 protein, human; C526319:CCN3 protein, human; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008934:Mitogens; D055514:Nephroblastoma Overexpressed Protein; D055513:Connective Tissue Growth Factor