Abstract
Tenascins are a family of multifunctional glycoproteins found in the extracellular matrix of chordates. Two of the tenascins, tenascin-C and tenascin-W, form hexabrachions. In this review, we describe the discovery and domain architecture of tenascin-W, its evolution and patterns of expression during embryogenesis and in tumors, and its effects on cells in culture. In avian and mammalian embryos tenascin-W is primarily expressed at sites of osteogenesis, and in the adult tenascin-W is abundant in certain stem cell niches. In primary cultures of osteoblasts tenascin-W promotes cell migration, the formation of mineralized foci and increases alkaline phosphatase activity. Tenascin-W is also prominent in many solid tumors, yet it is missing from the extracellular matrix of most adult tissues. This makes it a potential candidate for use as a marker of tumor stroma and a target for anti-cancer therapies.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 53 |
Journal | Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | APR |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2019 |
Keywords
- Development
- Extracellular matrix
- Osteogenesis
- Stem cells
- Tenascin-W
- Tumor stroma
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology