Connective tissues: signalling by tenascins

Abstract

Different connective tissue cells secrete different types of tenascins. These glycoproteins contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and influence the physiology of the cells in contact with the tenascin containing environment. Tenascin-C expression is regulated by mechanical stress. It shows highest expression in connective tissue surrounding tumors, in wounds and in inflamed tissues where it may regulate cell morphology, growth, and migration by activating diverse intracellular signalling pathways. Thus, integrin and syndecan signalling is influenced by tenascin-C and the levels and/or activies of several proteins involved in intracellular signalling pathways are regulated by its presence. Tenascin-X is important for the proper deposition of collagen fibers in dermis and patients with a tenascin-X deficiency suffer from Ehlers Danlos syndrome. Tenascin-R (and -C) is prominent in the nervous system and has an impact on neurite outgrowth and synaptic functions, and tenascin-W is found in the extracellular matrix of bone, muscle, and kidney. Cell facts:bone: osteoblasts produce tenascin-C, -W cartilage: perichondrial cells produce tenascin-C tendon: fibroblasts produce tenascin-C smooth muscle cells produce tenascin-W, -C skeletal muscle: endo-, peri-, and epimysial fibroblasts produce tenascin-X dermal fibroblasts produce tenascin-X tumors: stromal fibroblasts produce tenascin-C wounds: fibroblasts produce tenascin-C nervous system: glial cells produce tenascin-R, -C, -X.