Molecular targets for tendon neoformation

Abstract

Tendons and ligaments are unique forms of connective tissue that are considered an integral part of the musculoskeletal system. The ultimate function of tendon is to connect muscles to bones and to conduct the forces generated by muscle contraction into movements of the joints, whereas ligaments connect bone to bone and provide joint stabilization. Unfortunately, the almost acellular and collagen I-rich structure of tendons and ligaments makes them very poorly regenerating tissues. Injured tendons and ligaments are considered a major clinical challenge in orthopedic and sports medicine. This Review discusses the several factors that might serve as molecular targets that upon activation can enhance or lead to tendon neoformation.

Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Treated with Growth Differentiation Factor-5 Express Tendon-Specific Markers

“…Tenascin-C is an ECM protein that has been implicated in tendon development, as it has been found in tendon primordia as well as all differentiated tendon. 43 While it is a relatively nonspecific marker, the late increased expression of tenascin-C was consistent with the hypothesis that GDF-5 induces ADMSCs to progress down a tendonogenic lineage. Notably, 100 ng/mL of GDF-5 was the concentration at which the tendonogenic markers were most upregulated in our studies.…”

Tendon development and musculoskeletal assembly: emerging roles for the extracellular matrix

“…Only a handful of factors are known to help specify tenocyte progenitor cells (TPCs) at muscle attachments, induce them to differentiate, and maintain and repair them in the adult (Aslan et al, 2008;Huang et al, 2015;Liu et al, 2012Liu et al, , 2014Schweitzer et al, 2010;Yang et al, 2013). Studies in animal models (e.g.…”

Silk scaffolds for musculoskeletal tissue engineering

“…Ligaments and tendons are usually impaired during sports and other furious activities which may lead to instability and abnormal joint movement. 71 However, they do not have a strong regeneration capacity and hence significant joint dysfunction may be caused. Different kinds of treatments have been applied for repairing ligament/tendon injuries, and ligament and tendon tissue engineering may offer a more efficient therapeutic method than the traditional approaches.…”