The CCN family of proteins: a 25th anniversary picture.

ABSTRACT: The CCN family of proteins is composed of six members, which are now well recognized as major players in fundamental biological processes. The first three CCN proteins discovered were designated CYR61, CTGF, and NOV because of the context in which they were identified. Both CYR61 and CTGF were discovered in normal cells, whereas NOV was identified in tumors. Soon after their discovery, it was established that they shared important and unique structural features and distinct biological properties. Based on these structural considerations, the three proteins were proposed to belong to a family that was designated CCN by P. Bork. Hence the CCN1, CCN2 and CCN3 acronyms. The family grew to six members a few years later with the description of three proteins WISP-1, WISP-2 and WISP-3 (CCN4, CCN5

SUBMITTER: Perbal A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5055498 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature