The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a deformable dynamic structure that dictates the behavior,
function and integrity of blood vessels. The composition, density, chemistry and architecture …

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical in all aspects of vascular development and health:
supporting cell anchorage, providing structure, organization and mechanical stability, and …

Background: Atherosclerosis occurs preferentially at the blood vessels encountering blood
flow turbulence. The matricellular protein CCN1 is induced in endothelial cells by disturbed …

CCN2/connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a matricellular protein essential for skeletal
development during embryogenesis. In adulthood, aberrant CCN2 expression is associated …

The CCN family of proteins consists of 6 members (CCN1-CCN6) that share conserved
functional domains. These matricellular proteins interact with growth factors, extracellular …

Great advances have been made in the identification of the soluble angiogenic factors,
insoluble extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, and receptor signaling pathways that …

The vascular endothelium plays a fundamental role in the health and disease of the
cardiovascular system. The molecular mechanisms regulating endothelial homeostasis …

CCN1 is an angiogenic factor that promotes cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation.
CCN1-deficient mice suffer embryonic death because of vascular defects, demonstrating …

Objective—CCN3 belongs to the CCN family, which constitutes multifunctional secreted
proteins that act as matrix cellular regulators. We investigated the pathophysiological roles …

CCN2/Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) is a matricellular protein that regulates cell
adhesion, migration, and survival. CCN2 is best known for its ability to promote fibrosis by …