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Dual roles of CCN proteins in breast cancer progression

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Journal of Cell Communication and Signaling Aims and scope

Abstract

The tumor microenvironment has a powerful effect on the development and progression of human breast cancer, which may be used therapeutically. Despite efforts to understand the complex role of the tumor microenvironment in breast cancer development, the specific players and their contributions to tumorigenesis need further investigation. The CCN family of matricellular proteins comprises six members (CCN1–6; CYR61, CTGF, NOV, WISP1–3) with central roles in development, inflammation, and tissue repair. CCN proteins also exert functions during pathological processes including fibrosis and cancer by regulating extracellular signals in the cellular environment. Studies have demonstrated that all six CCN proteins exert functions in breast tumorigenesis. Although CCN proteins share a multimodular structure in which most cysteine residues are conserved within structural motifs, they may have opposing functions in breast cancer progression. A better understanding of the functions of each CCN member will assist in the development of specific therapeutic approaches for breast cancer.

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Acknowledgments

I am grateful to members of the Kleer lab and Dr. Perbal for helpful suggestions and discussions. This work was supported by a grant from the National institutes of Health (R01 CA125577).

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  1. Department of Pathology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    Celina G. Kleer

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  1. Celina G. Kleer
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Correspondence to Celina G. Kleer.

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Kleer, C.G. Dual roles of CCN proteins in breast cancer progression. J. Cell Commun. Signal. 10, 217–222 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12079-016-0345-7

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