CONNECTIVE-TISSUE GROWTH-FACTOR - FRIEND OR FOE

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a novel cysteine-rich, secre ted peptide, which is implicated in human atherosclerosis and fibrotic disorders such as systemic scleroderma. CTGF is a member of the pepti de family that includes serum-induced immediate early gene products, a v-src-induced peptide, and a putative proto-oncogene. The CTGF gene f amily is a modular protein and is conserved throughout evolution. CTGF mRNA has been found in the human, mouse, chicken, frog, and fly. The functions of the CTGF gene family include embryogenesis, wound healing , and regulation of extracellular matrix production. Human CTGF is und etectable in normal blood vessels but overexpressed in atherosclerotic lesions, suggesting an important role in atherogenesis.