Characterization of progenitor cells derived from torn human rotator cuff tendons by gene expression patterns of chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, and adipogenesis

Abstract

BackgroundIt is important to regenerate the tendon-to-bone interface after rotator cuff repair to prevent re-tears. The cells from torn human rotator cuff were targeted, and their capacity for multilineage differentiation was investigated.MethodsThe edges of the rotator cuff were harvested during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair from nine patients, minced into pieces, and cultured on dishes. Adherent cells were cultured, phenotypically characterized. Then expandability, differentiation potential and gene expression were analyzed.ResultsFlow cytometry revealed that the mesenchymal stem cells (MSC)-related markers CD29, CD44, CD105, and CD166 were positive. However, CD14, CD34, and CD45 were negative. On RT-PCR analyses, the cells showed osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic potential after 3 weeks of culture under the respective differentiation conditions. In addition, SOX9, type II collagen, and type X collagen expression patterns during chondrogenesis were similar to those of endochondral ossification at the enthesis.ConclusionsThe cells derived from torn human rotator cuff are multipotent mesenchymal stem cells with the ability to undergo multilineage differentiation, suggesting that MSCs form this tissue could be regenerative capacity for potential self-repair.

Tissue‐specific endothelial cells: a promising approach for augmentation of soft tissue repair in orthopedics

“…Tendon‐derived stem cells (TDSCs) have been identified as an additional cell population in tendons and can be considered another source of MSCs. The multipotency of TDSCs were also characterized in torn human rotator cuff tendons . Interestingly, a rare CD146 + tendon‐resident stem cell population was identified in a rat patellar tendon.…”

“…The multipotency of TDSCs were also characterized in torn human rotator cuff tendons. 83 Interestingly, a rare CD146 + tendon-resident stem cell population was identified in a rat patellar tendon. Subsequent to enrichment by connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), these cells demonstrated tenogenic differentiation.…”

Mesenchymal stem cells in tendon repair and regeneration: basic understanding and translational challenges

“…Studies have examined their cellular characterization, self‐renewal, differentiation potential, fate determination, reparative potential, and impaired changes under aging and disease conditions, and recent studies have also attempted to further define the identity of stem cells involved in tendon healing . Stem/progenitor cells derived from torn human rotator cuff tendons were characterized and determined to be multipotent MSCs with the ability to undergo multilineage differentiation . Vascularized peritenon, the loose connective tissue surrounding the tendon, harbors a unique population of stem/progenitor cells that expressed markers consistent with neural crest stem cells (NCSCs), such as P75 + (p75 neurotrophin receptor) .…”

“…44,45 Stem/progenitor cells derived from torn human rotator cuff tendons were characterized and determined to be multipotent MSCs with the ability to undergo multilineage differentiation. 46 Vascularized peritenon, the loose connective tissue surrounding the tendon, harbors a unique population of stem/progenitor cells that expressed markers consistent with neural crest stem cells (NCSCs), such as P75 + (p75 neurotrophin receptor). 47 In response to tendon injury in a window defect model in the rat patellar tendon, P75 + cells, originating from the neural crest, increased in number and detached from vessels upon tendon injury, migrated to the interstitial space, and may contribute to the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM).…”

Cell-based Approaches for Augmentation of Tendon Repair

“…The multipotency of TDSCs were also characterized in torn human rotator cuff tendons 85 . TDSCs can be isolated from supraspinatus tendon and long head of biceps tendon during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair 86 .…”