title: Molecules in focus: tenascin-C.
abstract: Tenascin-C is a hexameric extracellular matrix glycoprotein with multiple isoforms resulting from alternative splicing. Synthesis of tenascin-C occurs in the nervous system, the vasculature and connective tissue components of a number of organs, particularly during development and pathology. Most cells do not express tenascin-C constitutively but expression is induced by growth factors and hormones, such as transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-1. Tenascin-C is anti-adhesive, but nevertheless is able to influence the differentiation of a variety of cell types. Selective expression of tenascin-C in tumours has led to development of radio-labelled monoclonal anti-tenascin-C antibodies for targeting tumour therapy, with promising results thus far in clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Mackie
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D019063:Tenascin / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D019063:Tenascin