CTGF belongs to the CCN (CTGF/Cyr61/Cef10/NOVH) protein family, which is comprised of six secreted proteins that reside in the extracellular matrix (ECM). CTGF causes a variety of cellular responses including reduced cell adhesion and enhanced cell migration and proliferation. CTGF has also been shown to be essential for epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process whereby normal functioning cells morph into ones that produce mainly scar tissue (of which collagen in the major protein component).