Target Name: CCN2
NCBI ID: G1490
Other Name(s): CTGF | NOV2 | IBP-8 | CCN2_HUMAN | Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 8 | cellular communication network factor 2 | Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) | CCN family member 2 precursor | OTTHUMP00000017213 | CCN family member 2 | IGF-binding protein 8 | connective tissue growth factor | Hcs24 | CNN2 | hypertrophic chondrocyte-specific protein 24 | IGFBP8 | Hypertrophic chondrocyte-specific protein 24 | Cellular communication network factor 2 | HCS24 | insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 8 | IGFBP-8 | MGC102839

Targeting CCN2: A Promising Strategy for Cancer Treatment

Cancer-associated factors (CAFs) are proteins that are expressed in various types of cancer, and they play a crucial role in the development, progression, and metastasis of these diseases. One of the most promising strategies in the fight against cancer is to target these CAFs and disrupt their functions. One such target that has gained significant attention in recent years is the cell-cell adhesion molecule (CCN2), which has been shown to contribute to various cellular processes, including cancer cell growth, invasion, and metastasis. In this article, we will explore the CCN2 molecule, its functions, and its potential as a drug target in cancer treatment.

Structure and Function

The CCN2 molecule was first identified in the early 1990s as a cell-cell adhesion molecule, which allows cells to stick together and form tissues. CCN2 is a transmembrane protein that consists of an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain. The extracellular domain of CCN2 contains a N-terminal region that is involved in cell adhesion, while the transmembrane domain is responsible for the stability of the protein. The intracellular domain is involved in the interaction with various signaling pathways, including the TGF-β pathway.

CCN2 has been shown to play a crucial role in various cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, and invasion. It is a key regulator of the TGF-β pathway, which is involved in cell growth, differentiation, and survival. The TGF-β pathway is a well-established cancer-promoting pathway that has been implicated in the development of numerous types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers. Therefore, disrupting the TGF-β pathway by targeting CCN2 is a promising strategy for cancer treatment.

In addition to its role in the TGF-β pathway, CCN2 has also been shown to contribute to various other cellular processes, including the regulation of cell cycle, cell survival, and the production of signaling molecules. CCN2 has been shown to promote the G1 phase of the cell cycle, which is responsible for cell growth and development. It also plays a role in the regulation of cell survival, as it has been shown to promote the survival of cancer cells under various treatment conditions.

CCN2 has also been shown to contribute to the production of signaling molecules, such as TGF-β1 and TGF-β2. These molecules are involved in cell growth, differentiation, and survival, and have been implicated in the development of numerous types of cancer. Therefore, targeting CCN2 with drugs that can disrupt its functions could be a promising strategy for cancer treatment.

Drug Targeting Strategies

Several drug targeting strategies have been proposed for the CCN2 molecule, including inhibition of its extracellular domain, transmembrane domain, and intracellular domain.

1. Inhibition of the extracellular domain: One of the most promising strategies for targeting CCN2 is to inhibit its extracellular domain. Extracellular domain interactions are critical for the function of CCN2, and therefore, inhibiting these interactions could be a promising strategy for cancer treatment. One such approach is the use of small molecules or antibodies that can bind to specific regions of the extracellular domain and disrupt its functions.
2. Inhibition of the transmembrane domain: Another promising strategy for targeting CCN2 is to inhibit its transmembrane domain. The transmembrane domain is involved in the stability of CCN2 and is critical for its function. Therefore, inhibiting this domain could be a promising strategy for cancer treatment. One such approach is the use of small molecules or antibodies that can bind to specific regions of the transmembrane domain and disrupt its functions.
3. In

Protein Name: Cellular Communication Network Factor 2

Functions: Major connective tissue mitoattractant secreted by vascular endothelial cells. Promotes proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes. Mediates heparin- and divalent cation-dependent cell adhesion in many cell types including fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, endothelial and epithelial cells. Enhances fibroblast growth factor-induced DNA synthesis

More Common Targets

CCN3 | CCN4 | CCN5 | CCN6 | CCNA1 | CCNA2 | CCNB1 | CCNB1IP1 | CCNB2 | CCNB2P1 | CCNB3 | CCNC | CCND1 | CCND2 | CCND2-AS1 | CCND3 | CCNDBP1 | CCNE1 | CCNE2 | CCNF | CCNG1 | CCNG2 | CCNH | CCNI | CCNI2 | CCNJ | CCNJL | CCNK | CCNL1 | CCNL2 | CCNO | CCNP | CCNQ | CCNQP1 | CCNT1 | CCNT2 | CCNT2-AS1 | CCNT2P1 | CCNY | CCNYL1 | CCNYL2 | CCP110 | CCPG1 | CCR1 | CCR10 | CCR12P | CCR2 | CCR3 | CCR4 | CCR4-NOT transcription complex | CCR5 | CCR5AS | CCR6 | CCR7 | CCR8 | CCR9 | CCRL2 | CCS | CCSAP | CCSER1 | CCSER2 | CCT2 | CCT3 | CCT4 | CCT5 | CCT6A | CCT6B | CCT6P1 | CCT6P3 | CCT7 | CCT8 | CCT8L1P | CCT8L2 | CCT8P1 | CCZ1 | CCZ1B | CCZ1P-OR7E38P | CD101 | CD101-AS1 | CD109 | CD14 | CD151 | CD160 | CD163 | CD163L1 | CD164 | CD164L2 | CD177 | CD177P1 | CD180 | CD19 | CD1A | CD1B | CD1C | CD1D | CD1E | CD2 | CD200 | CD200R1 | CD200R1L