Versican other inflammatory cells) can migrate more easily through extracellular matrix that has a higher versican content. Deposits of versican are not present in normal skin but are found in the reticular dermis during keloid scarring, a condition where scar formation becomes uncontrolled and overgrowth of skin tissue occurs at the site of the wound. Versican has been shown to interact with hyaluronan and a link protein (hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1; HAPLN1). Versican Versican is a large extracellular matrix proteoglycan that is present in a variety of human tissues. It is encoded by the "VCAN" gene. Versican is a
Loose connective tissue Loose connective tissue Loose connective tissue is a category of connective tissue which includes areolar tissue, reticular tissue, and adipose tissue. Loose connective tissue is the most common type of connective tissue in vertebrates. It holds organs in place and attaches epithelial tissue to other underlying tissues. For example, it forms telae, such as the tela submucosa and tela subserosa, which connect mucous and serous membranes to the muscular layer. It also surrounds the blood vessels and nerves. Cells called fibroblasts are widely dispersed in this tissue; they are irregular branching cells that secrete strong fibrous proteins and proteoglycans as