Expression of CCN Genes and Proteins in Human Skin: Methods and Protocols.

CCN proteins are vital to a variety of biological processes that contribute to the normal development and function of skin. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (qPCR) quantifies mRNA levels of these key genes. Immunostaining localizes CCN proteins within skin tissue, and provides semiquantitative information regarding relative levels of the proteins. Reliable determinations of the expression levels of CCN genes and proteins are essential to uncovering their roles in skin physiology and pathology.