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tenascin

(Science: cell biology) protein of the extracellular matrix (240 kD subunit: usually as a hexabrachion, a six armed hexamer of more than 1000 kD) selectively present in mesenchyme surrounding foetal (but not adult) rat mammary glands, hair follicles and teeth.

Found in the matrix surrounding mammary tumours of rat. Tenascin contaminates cell surface fibronectin and accounts for most of the haemagglutinating activity of extracellular matrix protein. Contains 14 repeats of the eGF like domain.