Taking aim at the extracellular matrix: CCN proteins as emerging therapeutic targets

Here, the authors discuss how aberrant expression and activity of the CCN matricellular proteins contribute to the pathobiology of diseases linked to inflammation or chronic tissue injury, and they highlight how these proteins could be potential therapeutic targets. Members of the CCN family of matricellular proteins are crucial for embryonic development and have important roles in inflammation, wound healing and injury repair in adulthood. Deregulation of CCN protein expression or activities contributes to the pathobiology of various diseases — many of which may arise when inflammation or tissue injury becomes chronic — including fibrosis, atherosclerosis, arthritis and cancer, as well as diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy. Emerging studies indicate that targeting CCN protein expression or signalling pathways holds promise in the development of diagnostics and therapeutics for such diseases. This Review summarizes the biology of CCN proteins, their roles in various pathologies and their potential as therapeutic targets.