Tenascin C

Tenascin C (TNC), also known as hexabrachion or cytotactin, is an extracellular matrix (ECM) protein that plays a crucial role in tissue repair, development, and pathophysiology. It is one of the members of the tenascin family, which are involved in a variety of cellular processes including cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation.

Structure

Tenascin C is a large, multimodular glycoprotein characterized by an assembly of multiple domains: an assembly domain, epidermal growth factor-like repeats, fibronectin type III-like domains, and a fibrinogen-like globe. This structure allows TNC to interact with a variety of other ECM proteins and cell surface receptors, mediating its diverse roles in the ECM.

Function

The function of Tenascin C is highly versatile and context-dependent. It is involved in:

• Cell adhesion and migration: TNC can modulate the adhesion properties of cells to the ECM, influencing cell migration processes important in development and wound healing.
• Tissue repair and regeneration: TNC expression is upregulated in response to tissue injury, where it contributes to the repair and regeneration processes.
• Inflammation: It plays a role in the inflammatory response, modulating the activity of immune cells.
• Cancer: High levels of TNC are often found in various tumors, where it can contribute to cancer progression by supporting tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.

Expression and Regulation

The expression of Tenascin C is tightly regulated and is typically low in adult tissues but increases significantly in response to injury, during development, and in pathological conditions such as cancer and fibrosis. Its expression is controlled by various factors including growth factors, cytokines, and mechanical stress.

Clinical Significance

Due to its involvement in tissue repair, inflammation, and cancer, Tenascin C has been studied as a potential biomarker for various diseases and as a target for therapeutic intervention. Its role in cancer progression, in particular, has made it a target of interest for the development of anti-cancer therapies.

Research

Research on Tenascin C continues to uncover its complex roles in health and disease. Studies are focused on understanding its interactions with other ECM components, its regulation in various physiological and pathological conditions, and its potential as a therapeutic target.