CCN family of proteins: critical modulators of the tumor cell microenvironment

The CCN family of proteins consisting of CCN1 (Cyr61), CCN2 (CTGF), CCN3 (NOV), CCN4 (WISP-1), CCN5 (WISP-2) and CCN6 (WISP-3) are considered matricellular proteins operating essentially in the extracellular microenvironment between cells. Evidence has also been gradually building since their first discovery of additional intracellular roles although the major activity is triggered at the cell membrane. The proteins consist of 4 motifs, a signal peptide (for secretion} followed consecutively by the IGFBP, VWC, TSP1 and CT (C-terminal cysteine knot domain) motifs, which signify their potential binding partners and functional connections to a variety of key regulators of physiological processes. With respect to cancer it is now clear that, whereas certain members can facilitate tumor behavior and progression, others can competitively counter the process. It is therefore clear that the net outcome of biological interactions in the matrix and what gets signaled or inhibited can be a function of the interplay of these CCN 1–6 proteins. Because the CCN proteins further interact with other key proteins, like growth factors in the matrix, the balance is not only important but can vary dynamically with the physiological states of tumor cells and the surrounding normal cells. The tumor niche with its many cell players has surfaced as a critical determinant of tumor behavior, invasiveness, and metastasis. It is in this context that CCN proteins should be investigated with the potential of being recognized and validated for future therapeutic approaches.