Dcn-flox Mouse

Dcn, short for Decorin, is a member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan gene family. It is secreted from stromal fibroblasts and has non-cell-autonomous anti-cancer effects. Dcn is involved in multiple biological processes, such as regulating the extracellular matrix. It may interact with various signaling pathways like IL-6/STAT3/AUF1, TGF-β1/SMAD3, and is important in immune responses, cancer development, and tissue fibrosis [1,2].

In breast stromal fibroblasts, DCN down-regulation activates these cells and promotes their pro-carcinogenic effects through the IL-6/STAT3/AUF1 signaling. DCN-deficient fibroblasts enhance angiogenesis, orthotopic tumor growth, and increase the resistance of breast cancer cells to cisplatin [1]. In renal cell carcinoma, DCN acts as a tumor suppressor. DCN overexpression inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo by upregulating P21 and E-cadherin [4]. In corneal fibrosis and neovascularization, AAV5-DCN gene therapy can effectively reduce these conditions in rabbit eyes [3].

In conclusion, Dcn plays crucial roles in cancer and tissue-related diseases. Studies on Dcn, especially through in vivo models, have revealed its anti-carcinogenic and anti-fibrotic properties, providing potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and corneal diseases.