WISP2 Human

WNT1 Inducible Signaling Pathway Protein 2 (WISP2), also known as CCN5, is a matricellular protein encoded by the WISP2 gene in humans. This protein is part of the CCN family, which includes six members: CYR61 (CCN1), CTGF (CCN2), NOV (CCN3), WISP1 (CCN4), WISP2 (CCN5), and WISP3 (CCN6). The CCN acronym is derived from the first three members identified: CYR61, CTGF, and NOV .

WISP2 is a secreted, extracellular matrix-associated signaling protein. It is unique among the CCN family members as it lacks the C-terminal (CT) domain, which is typically present in other CCN proteins. The protein contains an N-terminal secretory signal peptide followed by four structurally distinct domains:

1. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)
2. Von Willebrand type C repeats (vWC)
3. Thrombospondin type 1 repeat (TSR)
4. Cysteine knot motif within the C-terminal domain .

WISP2 is expressed in various tissues, including the endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm lineages. It is found in primary osteoblasts, fibroblasts, ovaries, testes, and heart cells. The protein is also expressed in both embryonic and adult tissues .

WISP2 plays a crucial role in regulating diverse cellular functions, including:

• Cell adhesion
• Migration
• Proliferation
• Differentiation
• Signal transduction
• Cell-cell signaling
• Regulation of cell growth
• Negative regulation of cell death .

Additionally, WISP2 is involved in wound healing, fibrosis, skeletal development, and metastasis. It promotes the adhesion of osteoblasts, inhibits osteocalcin production, and prevents fibrinogen binding to integrin receptors .

WISP2 has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells, human uterine myometrial cells, and leiomyoma cells. This protein’s role in inhibiting cell proliferation makes it a potential target for therapeutic interventions in various diseases, including cancer .

Recombinant human WISP2 is produced using Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression systems. The recombinant protein is supplied in a lyophilized form and is highly stable at -20°C. It is recommended to reconstitute the protein with sterile water at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL for further use in aqueous solutions. The addition of a carrier protein, such as human serum albumin (HSA) or bovine serum albumin (BSA), is recommended for long-term storage .