Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and cancer progression

J Biomed Sci. 2008 Nov;15(6):675-85. doi: 10.1007/s11373-008-9264-9. Epub 2008 Jul 13.

Abstract

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a member of the CCN family of secreted, matrix-associated proteins encoded by immediate early genes that play various roles in angiogenesis and tumor growth. CCN family proteins share uniform modular structure which mediates various cellular functions such as regulation of cell division, chemotaxis, apoptosis, adhesion, motility, angiogenesis, neoplastic transformation, and ion transport. Recently, CTGF expression has been shown to be associated with tumor development and progression. There is growing body of evidence that CTGF may regulate cancer cell migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and anoikis. In this review, we will highlight the influence of CTGF expression on the biological behavior and progression of various cancer cells, as well as its regulation on various types of protein signals and their mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anoikis / physiology
  • Cell Movement
  • Connective Tissue Growth Factor / metabolism*
  • Disease Progression*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic

Substances

  • Connective Tissue Growth Factor