Connective tissue growth factor - CTGF ( connective tissue growth factor ) was discovered in 1991 by Bradhama in cultured human endothelial cells derived from umbilical vein . This protein has been isolated and identified as a potent mitogen , but the results of scientific studies in recent years indicate that CTGF is not only stimulates cell proliferation , but also possesses outstanding profibrotic properties . CTGF is a downstream mediator of TGF - ß in both normal and pathological processes of change in the connective tissue .