Title:Biology of Tenascin C and its Role in Physiology and Pathology
Volume: 31
Issue: 19
Author(s): Malihehsadat Abedsaeidi, Farzaneh Hojjati, Amin Tavassoli and Amirhossein Sahebkar*
Affiliation:
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of
Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical
Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Keywords:
Tenascin-C, extracellular matrix, cell migration, interaction, pathogens, pre-mRNA.
Abstract: Tenascin-C (TNC) is a multimodular extracellular matrix (ECM) protein hexameric
with several molecular forms (180-250 kDa) produced by alternative splicing at
the pre-mRNA level and protein modifications. The molecular phylogeny indicates that
the amino acid sequence of TNC is a well-conserved protein among vertebrates. TNC
has binding partners, including fibronectin, collagen, fibrillin-2, periostin, proteoglycans,
and pathogens. Various transcription factors and intracellular regulators tightly regulate
TNC expression. TNC plays an essential role in cell proliferation and migration. Unlike
embryonic tissues, TNC protein is distributed over a few tissues in adults. However, higher
TNC expression is observed in inflammation, wound healing, cancer, and other pathological
conditions. It is widely expressed in a variety of human malignancies and is recognized
as a pivotal factor in cancer progression and metastasis. Moreover, TNC increases
both pro-and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways. It has been identified as an essential
factor in tissue injuries such as damaged skeletal muscle, heart disease, and kidney fibrosis.
This multimodular hexameric glycoprotein modulates both innate and adaptive immune
responses regulating the expression of numerous cytokines. Moreover, TNC is an
important regulatory molecule that affects the onset and progression of neuronal disorders
through many signaling pathways. We provide a comprehensive overview of the
structural and expression properties of TNC and its potential functions in physiological
and pathological conditions.