The protein encoded by this gene is a mitogen that is secreted by vascular endothelial cells. The encoded protein plays a role in chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, cell adhesion in many cell types, and is related to platelet-derived growth factor. Certain polymorphisms in this gene have been linked with a higher incidence of systemic sclerosis. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2009].
Igarashi, Bradham, Okochi, Grotendorst: "Connective tissue growth factor." in: The Journal of dermatology, Vol. 19, Issue 11, pp. 642-3, (1993) (PubMed).
Bradham, Igarashi, Potter, Grotendorst: "Connective tissue growth factor: a cysteine-rich mitogen secreted by human vascular endothelial cells is related to the SRC-induced immediate early gene product CEF-10." in: The Journal of cell biology, Vol. 114, Issue 6, pp. 1285-94, (1991) (PubMed).