Tenascin expression in the mouse: In situ localization and induction in vitro by bFGF

Abstract

The glycoprotein tenascin is found in the extracellular matrix in regions of cell motility, cell proliferation, and tissue modelling. We have used novel tenascin cDNA probes to localize tenascin transcripts in the developing mouse and to study the regulation of tenascin expression by growth factors in vitro. At postnatal day 1 tenascin mRNAs are abundant in regions of bone and cartilage formation, as well as in the ependymal layer of the central nervous system. Previous studies have demonstrated that transforming growth factor-β type 1 (TGF-β1) can induce tenascin expression in vitro. As TGF-β1 is absent or scarce in the developing brain, it is likely that other growth factors, alone or in a..