Tenascin-C messenger RNA (TNC mRNA)

Tenascin-C (TNC) messenger RNA (mRNA) is the precursor for the synthesis of Tenascin-C, a multifunctional extracellular matrix glycoprotein. TNC is characterized by its hexameric structure and its ability to modulate cell-matrix interactions, influencing processes such as cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation (UniProt P24821). In the adult organism, TNC expression is generally low but becomes highly induced under pathological conditions, including inflammation, wound healing, and especially in the microenvironment of various cancers like glioblastoma and breast cancer (PubMed 25650585). Because TNC promotes tumor invasion and angiogenesis, its mRNA has been identified as a therapeutic target. Antisense oligonucleotides, such as ATN-RNA, are designed to bind specifically to TNC mRNA, leading to its degradation or the inhibition of translation, thereby reducing the levels of the pro-tumorigenic TNC protein (PubMed 26854485). This strategy aims to disrupt the supportive tumor niche and inhibit the progression of high-grade malignancies (PubMed 15164952). Clinical studies have explored the use of ATN-RNA delivered directly into the tumor cavity to improve survival in patients with recurrent malignant gliomas. Beyond oncology, TNC mRNA is also a target of interest in fibrotic diseases and cardiovascular conditions where excessive ECM deposition occurs. The specificity of targeting the mRNA allows for the modulation of TNC isoforms that are specifically upregulated in disease states. Overall, TNC mRNA represents a promising target for precision medicine in diseases characterized by pathological tissue remodeling.

Other names

Tenascin-C mRNAHXB mRNACytotactin mRNANeuronectin mRNAHexabrachion mRNATN-C mRNATenascin-C transcript

Antisense inhibition of translation and RNA interference-mediated degradation of the transcript