Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) belongs to the CCN (CTGF/Cyr61/Cef10/NOVH) protein family, which is comprised of six secreted proteins that reside in the extracellular matrix (ECM). CTGF (Connective Tissue Growth factor) is a cysteine-rich, matrix-associated, heparin-binding protein. In vitro, CTGF mirrors some of the effects of TGF-beta on skin fibroblasts, such as stimulation of extracellular matrix production, chemotaxis, proliferation and integrin expression. CTGF can promote endothelial cell growth, migration, adhesion and survival and is implicated in endothelial cell function and angiogenesis.
