protein_function: Extracellular matrix protein implicated in guidance ofmigrating neurons as well as axons during development, synapticplasticity as well as neuronal regeneration. Promotes neuriteoutgrowth from cortical neurons grown on a monolayer ofastrocytes. Ligand for integrins alpha-8,beta-1, alpha-9,beta-1,alpha-V,beta-3 and alpha-V,beta-6.
Tenascin C (TN-C) is a glycoprotein that in humans is encoded by the TNC gene. It is expressed in the extracellular matrix of various tissues during development, disease or injury, and in restricted neurogenic areas of the central nervous system. Tenascin-C is the founding member of the gene family (Tenascin). In the embryo it is made by migrating cells like the neural crest; it is also abundant in developing tendons, bone and cartilage. TN-C clearly plays a role in cell signaling as evidenced by its ability to be induced during events such as trauma, inflammation, or cancer development. Also, TN-C is important in regulating cell proliferation and migration, especially during developmental differentiation and wound healing.