Skip navigation

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/ccn6/

CCN6 gene

cellular communication network factor 6

Normal Function

The CCN6 gene provides instructions for making a protein that appears to be involved in bone growth and the maintenance of cartilage, which covers and protects the ends of bones. The function of the CCN6 protein is not well understood. It is part of a family of proteins that are involved in the growth and maintenance of connective tissues, such as bone, cartilage, and blood vessels. The CCN6 protein is made in cells called chondrocytes, which produce and maintain cartilage, and is associated with the production of certain proteins that make up cartilage, but its role in their production is unclear. CCN6 may also help control signaling pathways involved in the development of cartilage and bone and may help regulate the breakdown of cartilage components.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia

Mutations in the CCN6 gene cause progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPRD), which is a condition that causes stiffness and pain in the joints of the hands, hips, knees, and spine. The joint problems worsen over time, and movement in the joints becomes limited. Most of the mutations involved in this condition lead to production of an abnormally short CCN6 protein that is probably nonfunctional. Other mutations change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the protein. Loss of CCN6 protein function likely disrupts normal cartilage maintenance and bone growth, leading to the joint problems in PPRD.

More About This Health Condition

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

More About This Health Condition

Other Names for This Gene

  • CCN family member 6
  • LIBC
  • PPAC
  • PPD
  • WISP-3
  • WISP3
  • WISP3_HUMAN
  • WNT1 inducible signaling pathway protein 3
  • WNT1-inducible-signaling pathway protein 3

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Baker N, Sharpe P, Culley K, Otero M, Bevan D, Newham P, Barker W, Clements KM, Langham CJ, Goldring MB, Gavrilovic J. Dual regulation of metalloproteinase expression in chondrocytes by Wnt-1-inducible signaling pathway protein 3/CCN6. Arthritis Rheum. 2012 Jul;64(7):2289-99. doi: 10.1002/art.34411. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Davis L, Chen Y, Sen M. WISP-3 functions as a ligand and promotes superoxide dismutase activity. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2006 Mar 31;342(1):259-65. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.01.132. Epub 2006 Feb 3. Citation on PubMed
  • Nakamura Y, Weidinger G, Liang JO, Aquilina-Beck A, Tamai K, Moon RT, Warman ML. The CCN family member Wisp3, mutant in progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia, modulates BMP and Wnt signaling. J Clin Invest. 2007 Oct;117(10):3075-86. doi: 10.1172/JCI32001. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Sen M, Cheng YH, Goldring MB, Lotz MK, Carson DA. WISP3-dependent regulation of type II collagen and aggrecan production in chondrocytes. Arthritis Rheum. 2004 Feb;50(2):488-97. doi: 10.1002/art.20005. Citation on PubMed

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.