CCN proteins and cancer: two to tango.
The CCN genes encode secreted proteins, associated to the extracellular matrix. They are involved in diverse biological processes such as regulation of cell- adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation and survival. They play important roles in pregnancy, development, angiogenesis, wound repair and inflammation. Several lines of evidence support a role for CCN genes in fibrotic disorders and tumorigenesis. We will focus our attention in this review on two CCN proteins: CCN1 and CCN3, that appear to exert distinct and opposite effects. Recent data suggest that CCN1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor and a key regulator in cancer progression, while CCN3 exhibits suppressive capabilities. The possible opposite functions of CCN1 and CCN3 in tumorigenesis, and the relevance of the distinct expression profiles of these two genes observed in many cancers are discussed below.
Bleau
Anne-Marie
AM
Université Paris 7-D.Diderot, Laboratoire d Oncologie Virale et Moléculaire, 2 place Jussieu, Case 7048, 75251 Paris Cedex France.
Planque
Nathalie
N
Perbal
Bernard
B
D000818:Animals; D015197:Carcinogenicity Tests; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D055513:Connective Tissue Growth Factor; D055515:Cysteine-Rich Protein 61; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D055514:Nephroblastoma Overexpressed Protein; D011247:Pregnancy
C501848:CCN1 protein, human; C526317:CCN2 protein, human; C526319:CCN3 protein, human; D055515:Cysteine-Rich Protein 61; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D055514:Nephroblastoma Overexpressed Protein; D055513:Connective Tissue Growth Factor