CCN family member 1 (CCN1)

CCN family member 1 (CCN1), also known as Cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61), is a secreted matricellular protein that plays a pivotal role in regulating cell-extracellular matrix interactions. It functions by binding to various integrin receptors and heparan sulfate proteoglycans, thereby activating signaling pathways that govern cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation (Source: UniProt P23276). CCN1 is essential for normal vascular development and wound healing, but its dysregulation is strongly linked to various pathologies, including chronic inflammation, tissue fibrosis, and cancer progression (Source: PubMed: 21503105, 22532577). In the context of oncology, CCN1 often promotes tumor growth, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis, making it a potential therapeutic target or biomarker for disease severity. Conversely, in certain fibrotic diseases, it has been shown to induce cellular senescence in myofibroblasts, suggesting a protective, anti-fibrotic role (Source: PubMed: 20133635). While direct pharmacological inhibitors of CCN1 are largely in the experimental stage, targeting its interactions with integrins remains a significant area of drug development research (Source: PubMed: 25331357).

Other names

Cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61CYR61GIG1Protein GIG1Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 10IGFBP-10

CCN1 acts as a ligand for various integrin receptors (e.g., alpha-V/beta-3, alpha-6/beta-1, alpha-M/beta-2) and heparan sulfate proteoglycans to trigger intracellular signaling pathways such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and NF-kappaB, thereby modulating cell survival, migration, and differentiation (Source: UniProt P23276; PubMed: 21503105).