Cellular communication network factor (CCN) 3 is one of the classical members of the CCN family, which are characterized by common molecular structures and multiple functionalities. Although this protein was discovered as a gene product overexpressed in a truncated form in nephroblastoma, recent studies have revealed its physiological roles in the development and homeostasis of mammalian species, in addition to its pathological association with a number of diseases. Cartilage is a tissue that creates most of the bony parts and cartilaginous tissues that constitute the human skeleton, in which CCN3 is also differentially produced to exert its molecular missions therein. In this review article, after the summary of the molecular structure and function of CCN3, recent findings on the regulation of ccn3 expression and the roles of CCN3 in endochondral ossification, cartilage development, maintenance and disorders are introduced with an emphasis on the metabolic regulation and function of this matricellular multifunctional molecule.

细胞通讯网络因子（CCN）3是CCN家族的经典成员之一，具有共同的分子结构和多种功能。尽管这种蛋白质被发现是在肾母细胞瘤中以截短形式过度表达的基因产物，但最近的研究揭示了其在哺乳动物物种的发育和稳态中的生理作用，以及与许多疾病的病理学关联。软骨是构成人体骨骼的大部分骨部分和软骨组织的组织，其中CCN3也被差异化地产生以在其中发挥其分子使命。本文综述了CCN3​​的分子结构和功能，介绍了CCN3​​表达调控的最新研究成果以及CCN3在软骨内骨化、软骨发育、维持和疾病中的作用，重点介绍了CCN3​​的代谢调节和功能。这种基质细胞多功能分子的功能。