CCN3, also named NOV, belongs to the CCN family of proteins. It is a cystine-rich secretory protein that associates with components of the extracellular matrix. Like other CCN family members, CCN3 is capable of mediating diverse biological functions through its four distinct domains, which enable binding to numerous protein partners.CCN3 modulates bone turnover through various mechanisms and is implicated in the progression of primary bone cancers such as osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma. Research has shown that CCN3 is also involved in the bone metastasis of melanoma, breast cancer, and prostate cancers. Recently, CCN3 was reported to play an important role in stem cell renewal. CCN3 is normally expressed in both embryonic and adult tissues. The activity of CCN3 is influenced by post translational modifications and proteolytic cleavage.
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