A protein that is present in the mesenchyme that surrounds epithelia in organs undergoing development in embryos; believed to participate in inducing differentiation of epithelia.
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ten·as·cin (ten-asґin) any of a family of at least three glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix, designated C, R, and X, originally found in rat fetal tissues and mammary tumors. In humans they have been isolated from a variety of embryo and adult tissues including some epithelial sites and smooth muscles, as well as being found in new granulation tissue and some tumors such as carcinoma of the breast.Medical dictionary. 2011.