Cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61) (CYR61)

Cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61), also known as CCN1, is a secreted matricellular protein that plays a pivotal role in mediating cell-extracellular matrix interactions. It functions as a signaling molecule that regulates diverse biological processes, including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis, primarily by binding to various integrins and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (UniProt: O00622). In pathological states, CYR61 is often upregulated, contributing to tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy in several cancers, as well as promoting fibrosis and chronic inflammation (PubMed: 29333542). The mRNA of CYR61 serves as a critical therapeutic target, particularly for RNA-based interventions such as siRNA or antisense oligonucleotides designed to silence its expression (PubMed: 22431504). By reducing the levels of CYR61 mRNA, these therapies aim to decrease the production of the pro-angiogenic and pro-fibrotic protein. Experimental studies have demonstrated that knocking down CYR61 mRNA can inhibit tumor growth and sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy (PubMed: 17460771). However, because CYR61 is also involved in essential physiological processes like wound repair and vascular integrity, therapeutic intervention must be carefully managed to avoid adverse effects on normal tissue maintenance (PubMed: 25605868).

Other names

CCN1CCN family member 1GIG1IGFBP10Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 10Protein CYR61

Antisense-mediated or RNA interference-mediated degradation of CYR61 mRNA, leading to reduced translation and secretion of the CYR61 protein (PubMed: 22431504).