Tenascin-C, tenascin-R and tenascin-X: a family of talented proteins in search of functions

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 1993 Oct;5(5):869-76. doi: 10.1016/0955-0674(93)90037-q.

Abstract

"Mice develop normally without tenascin", was a shock to biologists studying the extracellular matrix. Could tenascin be a useless protein? This seems most improbable, as it is conserved in every vertebrate species. Moreover, two new proteins have been discovered in the last year that are closely related to the original tenascin, providing evidence for a tenascin family. Speculations on functions are ripe for re-evaluation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / chemistry
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / physiology*
  • Drosophila / physiology
  • Extracellular Matrix / physiology*
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / chemistry
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / genetics
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Phylogeny
  • Tenascin
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • Tenascin