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Tenascins: regulation and putative functions during pathological stress
Ruth Chiquet-Ehrismann1, Matthias Chiquet
1Friedrich Miescher Institute, Novartis Research Foundation, Maulbeerstrasse 66, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland. chiquet@fmi.ch
The Journal of Pathology
|July 8, 2003
Summary
This review explores tenascins, extracellular matrix proteins, detailing their structure, function, and roles in human diseases like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and cancer. We examine their impact on cell behavior, inflammation, and healing.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Extracellular matrix proteins, tenascins, play crucial roles in tissue structure and cellular processes.
- Dysregulation of tenascins is implicated in various human pathologies, including genetic disorders and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure and function of the tenascin protein family.
- To emphasize the involvement of tenascins in human diseases.
- To discuss diagnostic and therapeutic strategies involving tenascins.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of tenascin structure, function, and pathology.
- Analysis of tenascin roles in cell adhesion, migration, and growth.
- Examination of tenascin-C's association with inflammation, cancer, and mechanical stress.
Main Results:
- Tenascin-X deficiency is linked to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, highlighting structural roles.
- Tenascin-C modulates cell adhesion, migration, and growth, and is involved in inflammation.
- Mechanical stress regulates tenascins, impacting wound healing and regeneration.
- Tenascin-C is associated with cancer, with antibodies showing diagnostic and therapeutic potential.
Conclusions:
- Tenascin proteins are critical regulators of tissue homeostasis and cellular functions.
- Aberrant tenascin expression and function contribute to diverse pathologies.
- Targeting tenascins offers promising avenues for disease diagnosis and therapy.