Expression analysis of CCN1/CYR61 in primary liver cells and in models of experimental liver fibrogenesis

Objective: Cysteine-rich protein 61 (CCN1/CYR61) is a matricellular protein of the CCN family that comprises six secreted CCN proteins in mammals [1]. In adults, CCN1/CYR61 expression is associated with inflammation and injury repair. Recent studies showed that CCN1/CYR61 limits fibrosis in models of cutaneous wound healing by inducing cellular senescence in myofibroblasts of the granulation tissue which thereby transform into an extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading phenotype. In fibrotic livers, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and periportal myofibroblasts (pMF) are considered to produce ECM. Design and Results: W…