Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, also known as hypertrophic chondrocyte-specific gene product 24 or Hcs24), is a member of the CCN family of immediate early proteins, which are involved in cell proliferation, migration and matrix production. CTGF is a cysteine-rich peptide that is secreted by endothelial cells, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells and myofibroblasts. Its expression is increased in various human and animal fibrotic diseases. Specifically, CTGF has been observed to be strongly upregulated in human proliferative and fibrogenic renal disease. In addition, CTGF is a growth factor for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and may play a similar role in promoting VSMC growth and migration in vitro.