Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

A Label-Free Segmentation Approach for Intravital Imaging of Mammary Tumor Microenvironment
Published on: May 24, 2022
Tenascin-W: an extracellular matrix protein associated with osteogenesis and cancer
Enrico Martina1, Ruth Chiquet-Ehrismann, Florence Brellier
1Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Novartis Research Foundation, Maulbeerstrasse 66, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Tenascin-W was the last member of a family of four large extracellular matrix glycoproteins to be discovered. The original member of the tenascin family, tenascin-C, has been widely studied due to its association with asthma, fibrosis, infection, inflammation and cancer. Recent studies report multiple common features between tenascin-W and tenascin-C in terms of structure, expression and function, especially in the context of tumorigenesis. Furthermore, specific functions for tenascin-W in osteogenesis have been revealed. This review presents an update on our current knowledge concerning tenascin-W and discusses potential medical applications of this cancer-enriched extracellular matrix protein.
Related Concept Videos
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Tension Response at Adherens Junctions
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin homology) domains...
Catenins
Catenins in Cell Junctions
Catenins bind to cell adhesion molecules such as cadherins and link them to different cytoskeletal proteins depending on the type of cell junction. At the adherens...
The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
The Extracellular Matrix
The Tumor Microenvironment

