WNT1-inducible-signaling pathway protein 2 (WISP-2 (also known as CCN5))

WNT1-inducible-signaling pathway protein 2 is a matricellular signaling molecule encoded by the WISP2 gene in humans. It is also known as CCN5 and belongs to the six-member CCN family of extracellular matrix-associated proteins. Unlike other members of this family, WISP‑2 lacks a C-terminal cystine knot domain. The protein plays important roles in regulating cellular processes such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Functionally, it acts as an inhibitor for vascular smooth muscle cells' proliferation and suppresses motility/invasiveness in some cancer cells—particularly breast carcinoma cells. Additionally, it has been shown to inhibit cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. WISP‑2/CCN5 is considered a potential therapeutic target due to its regulatory effects on tumor growth/metastasis and tissue remodeling; however, no approved drugs directly targeting this molecule are currently documented[1][2].

Other names

CCN5CT58CTGF-LWISP2cellular communication network factor 5Cop1HICP