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The tenascin gene family
R Chiquet-Ehrismann1, C Hagios, K Matsumoto
1Friedrich Miescher Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
Perspectives on Developmental Neurobiology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Tenascin extracellular matrix proteins are vital for development. Researchers are investigating tenascin-like genes to understand potential functional compensation, suggesting more family members may exist.
Area of Science:
- Extracellular matrix biology
- Developmental biology
- Molecular genetics
Background:
- Tenascin proteins are crucial for embryonic development, regulating cell migration and organogenesis.
- The normal development of tenascin-deficient mice raises questions about tenascin's essential function.
- Functional compensation by related genes is a known phenomenon in gene families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the tenascin gene family and explore potential functional compensation.
- To review the structures of known tenascin family members: tenascin-C, tenascin-R, and tenascin-X.
- To present evidence for the existence of additional tenascin family members.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of tenascin family gene structures.
- Analysis of gene expression patterns during embryogenesis.
- Comparative genomics to identify potential novel tenascin-like genes.
Main Results:
- Tenascin-C, tenascin-R, and tenascin-X share structural similarities.
- Evidence suggests the existence of further tenascin family members.
- The study highlights the complexity of the tenascin gene family and potential functional redundancy.
Conclusions:
- The apparent normal development in tenascin-deficient mice may be due to compensation by other tenascin family members.
- Further research into the tenascin gene family is warranted to fully elucidate their roles in development.
- The tenascin family likely plays a broader role in biological processes than previously understood.