Cellular communication network factor 5 (CCN5)

Cellular communication network factor 5 (CCN5), also known as WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 2 (WISP2), is a secreted, cysteine-rich matricellular protein belonging to the CCN protein family, which consists of six structurally related members. CCN5 differs from other CCN family members by lacking the carboxy-terminal (CT) domain. Its structure includes several discrete domains that facilitate interactions with cell surface receptors and extracellular ligands, such as integrins, heparan sulfate proteoglycans, and growth factors. CCN5 is widely implicated in cell adhesion, migration, cell cycle regulation, matrix remodeling, and has notable roles in tissue repair, fibrosis (particularly liver fibrosis), and cancer. Increased CCN5 expression is associated with upregulation during liver injury and fibrogenesis, where it appears to exert anti-fibrotic effects by inducing apoptosis in activated myofibroblasts. In cancer, CCN5 exhibits complex, sometimes contradictory roles depending on tumor context, where it can serve as both a tumor promoter and suppressor. Its context-dependent activity and emerging roles in disease pathobiology make it a candidate both as a disease biomarker and potential therapeutic target[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 2 (WISP2)CCN family member 5WISP-2CCN5/WISP2