Tenascin in connective tissue development and pathogenesis.

The extracellular matrix glycoprotein, tenascin (tenascin-C) is selectively expressed at sites of tissue remodeling in developing and pathological connective tissues, including cartilage, bone, and dermis. Functional studies suggest that tenascin is important for chondrocyte differentiation and feather bud elongation. Tenascin is able to stimulate cell migration and proliferation in some cell types and its tissue distribution is often correlated with these processes. Tenascin is a poor adhesive substratum for cells, and its effects on cell behavior may be mediated by effects on cell shape. In normal adult connective tissues, tenascin is strongly expressed at sites of contact between elements of the musculoskeletal system, suggesting an additional role for tenascin in matrix organization.