Consistently, the levels of cardiac hypertrophy related genes (ANP, BNP and β-MHC) and fibrosis related genes (Collagen I, Collagen III and CTGF) were significantly elevated in USP38fl/fl AB mice, while those markers were remarkably decreased in USP38cko mice (Figure 3E and 3F). Here, CCN2 is linked to cardiac hypertrophy.