Tenascin-W: an extracellular matrix protein associated with osteogenesis and cancer.
Tenascin-W was the last member of a family of four large extracellular matrix glycoproteins to be discovered. The original member of the tenascin family, tenascin-C, has been widely studied due to its association with asthma, fibrosis, infection, inflammation and cancer. Recent studies report multiple common features between tenascin-W and tenascin-C in terms of structure, expression and function, especially in the context of tumorigenesis. Furthermore, specific functions for tenascin-W in osteogenesis have been revealed. This review presents an update on our current knowledge concerning tenascin-W and discusses potential medical applications of this cancer-enriched extracellular matrix protein.
Martina
Enrico
E
Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Novartis Research Foundation, Maulbeerstrasse 66, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland.
Chiquet-Ehrismann
Ruth
R
Brellier
Florence
F
D000818:Animals; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D019063:Tenascin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D019063:Tenascin