EGF-Like domain of tenascin-C is proapoptotic for cultured smooth muscle cells.

Objective: Based on our previous observations on the expression of Tenascin-C (Tn-C) in human atherosclerotic plaques and its colocalization with macrophages, we explored whether Tn-C undergoes fragmentation and the potential pathobiological significance of this fragmentation.

Methods And Results: Using cultured human smooth muscle cells (SMCs), we found that Tn-C upregulates expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Western blot analysis revealed that Tn-C substrate is fragmented and most of the cleavage products have fibronectin-like and epidermal growth factor-like (EGF-like) domains of Tn-C.

Balloon catheterization induces arterial expression of new Tenascin-C isoform.

Migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) across the internal elastic lamina is a key step in the development of atherosclerotic or restenotic plaques. Cell movement is a complex and highly dynamic phenomenon, involving the continuous formation and breakage of attachments with the underlying substratum. Tenascin-C (Tn-C), a counter-adhesive extracellular matrix protein, is comprised of several isoforms with distinct biological activities.