Tenascin-X (TN-X) is an extracellular matrix protein whose absence results
in an alteration of the mechanical properties of connective tissue. To unde
rstand the mechanisms of integration of TN-X in the extracellular matrix, o
verlay. blot assays were performed on skin extracts, A 100 kDa molecule int
eracting,vith TN-X was identified by this method and this interaction was a
bolished when the extract was digested by chondroitinase. BS solid-phase as
says,,ve showed that dermatan sulfate chains of decorin bind to the heparin
-binding site included within the fibronectin-type III domains 10 and 11 of
TN-X, We thus postulate that the association of TN-X with collagen fibrils
is mediated bg decorin and contributes to the integrity of the extracellul
ar network, (C) 2001 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Publishe
d by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.