Downstream regulator in the Wnt/Frizzled-signaling pathway. Associated with cell survival. Attenuates p53-mediated apoptosis in response to DNA damage through activation of AKT kinase. Up-regulates the anti-apoptotic Bcl-X(L) protein. Adheres to skin and melanoma fibroblasts. In vitro binding to skin fibroblasts occurs through the proteoglycans, decorin and biglycan. Expressed in heart, kidney, lung, pancreas, placenta, ovary, small intestine and spleen. Isoform 2 is expressed predominantly in scirrhous gastric carcinoma and, weakly in placenta. Overexpression is associated with several cancers including breast cancer and colon tumors. Isoform 2 is overexpressed in scirrhous gastric carcinoma. Belongs to the CCN family.