Tenascin-C (TNC) is a large, multimodular, extracellular matrix glycoprotein that exists in several molecular forms (180-250 kDa) due to alternative splicing and protein modifications. It is a hexameric protein with each subunit having a molecular weight of around 300 kDa. TNC has a restricted pattern of expression but performs a wide range of functions. It plays crucial roles in cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion modulation, inhibiting cellular adhesion to fibronectin. It is highly expressed during embryonic development, tissue remodeling, wound healing, inflammation, and cancer progression. TNC also regulates immune responses and is involved in both innate and adaptive immunity. Additionally, it has binding partners like fibronectin, collagen, and proteoglycans, and its expression is tightly controlled by various transcription factors and intracellular regulators.
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