TNC

TNC, abbreviated for tenascin C, encodes an extracellular matrix protein with a spatially and temporally restricted tissue distribution. This protein is homohexameric with disulfide-linked subunits, and contains multiple EGF-like and fibronectin type-III domains It consists of 4 distinct domains, which can interact with pathogenic components, matrix constituents, soluble factors and cell surface proteins; conferring upon TNC the ability to bind to more than 25 different molecules identified thus far. TNC is reported to be implicated in guidance of migrating neurons as well as axons during development, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal regeneration
TNC is highly expressed in the developing embryo in a strictly regulated spatiotemporal pattern, but most healthy adult tissues exhibit negligible tenascin-C levels. The TNC expression is constrained to sites where high cell turnover, plasticity and tissue-remodeling are obligatory; such as stem cell niches and the central nervous system (CNS), in addition to regions which undergo significant tensile stress; such as tendons, ligaments and smooth muscle fibers. However, transient expression of tenascin C is observed at sites of active tissue remodeling in the adult, such as during the healing of wounds, and persistent tenascin-C expression is detected in pathological states such as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Entrez Gene ID: 3371
UniProt ID: P24821