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Roles for CCN2 in normal physiological processes

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Abstract

CCN2, also known as connective tissue growth factor, is a member of the CCN (CCN1–6) family of modular matricellular proteins. Analysis of CCN2 function in vivo has focused primarily on its key role as a mediator of excess ECM synthesis in multiple fibrotic diseases. However, CCN2 and related family members are widely expressed during development. Recent studies using new genetic models are revealing that CCN2 has essential roles in the development of many tissues. This review focuses on current and emerging data on CCN2 and its functions in chondrogenesis and angiogenesis, and on new studies showing that CCN2 has essential functions during embryonic and postnatal development in a number of epithelial tissues.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by NIH grants R01 AR052686 to KML and the UCLA Vascular Biology Training Grant (Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award T32HL69766) to FHG.

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  1. Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UCLA/Orthopaedic Hospital Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, 510 Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, 615 Charles E Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA

    Faith Hall-Glenn & Karen M. Lyons

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Correspondence to Karen M. Lyons.

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Hall-Glenn, F., Lyons, K.M. Roles for CCN2 in normal physiological processes. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 68, 3209–3217 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00018-011-0782-7

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