Tenascin-C Protein (Tenascin-C, TNC)
Introduction
flowchart TD
TENASCINCPROTEIN["TENASCINCPROTEIN"] -->|"associated with"| TREM2["TREM2"]
TENASCINCPROTEIN["TENASCINCPROTEIN"] -->|"associated with"| microglia["microglia"]
style TENASCINCPROTEIN fill:#4fc3f7,stroke:#333,color:#000
<table class="infobox infobox-protein">Gene </td>UniProt </td>Molecular Weight </td>Subcellular Localization </td>Protein Family </td>Aliases </td>
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Tenascin-C Protein (Tenascin-C, TNC)
Introduction
Mermaid diagram (expand to render)
<table class="infobox infobox-protein">Gene </td>UniProt </td>Molecular Weight </td>Subcellular Localization </td>Protein Family </td>Aliases </td>
Tenascin-C (TNC) is a large hexameric extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein expressed during embryonic development and re-expressed in various pathological conditions including wound healing, inflammation, and cancer. In the nervous system, Tenascin-C plays important roles in neural development, synaptic plasticity, and regenerative responses following injury. It is also implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and gliomas.
:: infobox .infobox-protein
Structure
Domain Architecture Tenascin-C is a large, multifunctional glycoprotein with a complex structure:
N-terminal heptad domain : Mediates hexamer formation (6 subunits)Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats : 13.5 repeats (14-15 total)Fibronectin type III (FNIII) repeats : 15 repeats (variable splicing)C-terminal fibrinogen globe (FBG) : Mediates protein-protein interactionsAlternative Splicing Tenascin-C undergoes extensive alternative splicing:
Inclusion/exclusion of FNIII repeats : Creates isoforms with different binding propertiesVariable expression : Different isoforms in development vs. adult tissueFunctional implications : Isoform-specific interactions with integrins and other ECM proteinsAssembly
Forms a hexameric "hexabrachion" structure
Six subunits connected at the N-terminal termini
Creates a star-like appearance under electron microscopy
Normal Function
Neural Development Tenascin-C is highly expressed during embryonic development:
Axon guidance : Provides guidance cues for growing axonsCell adhesion : Mediates neuronal-glial interactionsNeural crest cell migration : Important for neural crest derivationCortical development : Regulates neuronal positioningSynaptic Function In the mature nervous system:
Synaptic plasticity : Modulates synaptic strength and structureHippocampal function : Involved in learning and memoryNeuromuscular junction : Regulates postsynaptic specializationsGlial Function
Astrocyte function : Promotes astrocyte migration and process extensionOligodendrocyte development : Supports myelinationSchwann cell function : Peripheral nerve regenerationRole in Disease
Glioma Tenascin-C is highly expressed in gliomas:
Tumor progression : Promotes invasion and angiogenesisBiomarker : Potential diagnostic and prognostic markerTherapeutic target : Antibody-based therapies in developmentAlzheimer's Disease
Re-expressed in AD brains
Co-localizes with amyloid plaques
May influence plaque formation or glial response
Multiple Sclerosis
Expressed in demyelinating lesions
Promotes glial scarring
May inhibit remyelination
Spinal Cord Injury
Up-regulated after injury
Dual role: promotes regeneration vs. forms glial scar
Target for regenerative therapies
Therapeutic Implications
Protein-Protein Interactions Tenascin-C interacts with:
Integrins : α8β1, αvβ3, α9β1, αvβ6Fibronectin : ECM network formationHeparin/heparan sulfate : ECM bindingNG2 proteoglycan : Pericyte interactionsSee Also
[Extracellular Matrix Proteins](/proteins/extracellular-matrix)
[Astrocytes in Neurodegeneration](/cell-types/astrocytes)
[Glioma](/diseases/glioma)
[Synaptic Plasticity](/mechanisms/synaptic-plasticity)
References
[Chiquet-Ehrismann R et al., Tenascin-C: an ECM protein with diverse functions (2014) (2014)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matbio.2014.03.001)
[Jones FS et al., Tenascin-C in neural development (2000) (2000)](https://doi.org/10.1016/S0165-5728(00)
[Midwood KS et al., Tenascin-C as a therapeutic target (2011) (2011)](https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd3116)
[Huang JY et al., Tenascin-C in gliomas (2016) (2016)](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-016-2136-7)
[Kawakami K et al., Tenascin-C in spinal cord injury (2019) (2019)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.04.023) Show full description