Extracellular matrix protein implicated in guidance of migrating neurons as well as axons during development, synaptic plasticity as well as neuronal regeneration. Promotes neurite outgrowth from cortical neurons grown on a monolayer of astrocytes. Ligand for integrins alpha-8/beta-1, alpha-9/beta-1, alpha-V/beta-3 and alpha-V/beta-6. In tumors, stimulates angiogenesis by elongation, migration and sprouting of endothelial cells (By similarity). Homohexamer; disulfide-linked. A homotrimer may be formed in the triple coiled-coil region and may be stabilized by disulfide rings at both ends. Two of such half-hexabrachions may be disulfide linked within the central globule. Interacts with CSPG4 (By similarity). Isoforms are produced in a tissue- and time-specific manner during development. Submaxillary glands and brain. Predominantly expressed in the embryonic and early postnatal stages. Little or no detection in adult brain. By TGF-beta. N-glycosylated. Belongs to the tenascin family.