CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) regulates cell communication with the extracellular matrix also inducing collagen deposition, stimulation and differentiation of mesenchymal cells and tissue remodeling. Abnormal expression of CTGF is associated with pathological conditions such as arthritis, fibrosis, and cancers. CTGF might control epithelial-mesenchymal transition, a signal pathway th at contains an important step associated with tumor cell metastasis, in many types of cancer. Overexpression of CTGF enhances esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by associating with TGF-β (transforming growth factor β) pathway. It is involved in the development of fibrotic tissues in different types of organs. Overexpression of CTGF leads to fibrosis in many disease condition. Overexpression of CTGF is observed in joint capsule during joint contracture. CTGF is associated with inflammation reactions and controls macrophage adhesion and migration.
