Tenascin C (TNC) is a hexameric multimodular extracellular secreted matrix protein that is highly conserved among vertebrates and affects cell phenotype through interactions with cell surface receptors and extracellular binding partners. It is expressed during wound healing or in pathological conditions including inflammation or cancer. It is also involved in cell signaling, cell adhesion, and gene expression. In the embryo it is made by migrating cells like the neural crest; it is also abundant in developing tendons, bone and cartilage. The expression of tenascin-C in the stroma of certain tumors is associated with a poor prognosis. References: Journal of Cell Science 2016 129: 4321-4327