[1][2] Due to their dynamic role within the ECM they are considered matricellular proteins.
[3][4][5] The acronym CCN is derived from the first three members of the family discovered, namely CYR61 (cysteine-rich angiogenic protein 61 or CCN1), CTGF (connective tissue growth factor or CCN2), and NOV (nephroblastoma overexpressed or CCN3).
CCN proteins have been shown to play important roles in many cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, survival, apoptosis, and senescence.
They are also involved in biological processes including angiogenesis, inflammation, fibrosis, wound healing and tumorigenesis.
[1][2][7] CCN proteins likely constitute a hub for the coordination of cell signaling and communication.