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Yeung CYC, Svensson RB, Mogensen NMB, Merkel MFR, Schjerling P, Jokipii-Utzon A, Zhang C, Carstensen H, Buhl R, Kjaer M. Mechanical properties, collagen and glycosaminoglycan content of equine superficial digital flexor tendons are not affected by training. J Anat 2024. [PMID: 38712668 DOI: 10.1111/joa.14051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Physical activity can activate extracellular matrix (ECM) protein synthesis and influence the size and mechanical properties of tendon. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether different training histories of horses would influence the synthesis of collagen and other matrix proteins and alter the mechanical properties of tendon. Samples from superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) from horses that were either (a) currently race trained (n = 5), (b) previously race trained (n = 5) or (c) untrained (n = 4) were analysed for matrix protein abundance (mass spectrometry), collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, ECM gene expression and mechanical properties. It was found that ECM synthesis by tendon fibroblasts in vitro varied depending upon the previous training history. In contrast, fascicle morphology, collagen and GAG content, mechanical properties and ECM gene expression of the tendon did not reveal any significant differences between groups. In conclusion, although we could not identify any direct impact of the physical training history on the mechanical properties or major ECM components of the tendon, it is evident that horse tendon cells are responsive to loading in vivo, and the training background may lead to a modification in the composition of newly synthesised matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Yan Chloé Yeung
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - René B Svensson
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nikoline M B Mogensen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Max F R Merkel
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Schjerling
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Jokipii-Utzon
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helena Carstensen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rikke Buhl
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Kjaer
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Institute of Sports Medicine Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Djalali-Cuevas A, Rettel M, Stein F, Savitski M, Kearns S, Kelly J, Biggs M, Skoufos I, Tzora A, Prassinos N, Diakakis N, Zeugolis DI. Macromolecular crowding in human tenocyte and skin fibroblast cultures: A comparative analysis. Mater Today Bio 2024; 25:100977. [PMID: 38322661 PMCID: PMC10846491 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.100977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Although human tenocytes and dermal fibroblasts have shown promise in tendon engineering, no tissue engineered medicine has been developed due to the prolonged ex vivo time required to develop an implantable device. Considering that macromolecular crowding has the potential to substantially accelerate the development of functional tissue facsimiles, herein we compared human tenocyte and dermal fibroblast behaviour under standard and macromolecular crowding conditions to inform future studies in tendon engineering. Basic cell function analysis made apparent the innocuousness of macromolecular crowding for both cell types. Gene expression analysis of the without macromolecular crowding groups revealed expression of tendon related molecules in human dermal fibroblasts and tenocytes. Protein electrophoresis and immunocytochemistry analyses showed significantly increased and similar deposition of collagen fibres by macromolecular crowding in the two cell types. Proteomics analysis demonstrated great similarities between human tenocyte and dermal fibroblast cultures, as well as the induction of haemostatic, anti-microbial and tissue-protective proteins by macromolecular crowding in both cell populations. Collectively, these data rationalise the use of either human dermal fibroblasts or tenocytes in combination with macromolecular crowding in tendon engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Djalali-Cuevas
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Nutrition and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mandy Rettel
- Proteomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Stein
- Proteomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mikhail Savitski
- Proteomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Jack Kelly
- Galway University Hospital, Galway, Ireland
| | - Manus Biggs
- Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ioannis Skoufos
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Nutrition and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece
| | - Athina Tzora
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Nutrition and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece
| | - Nikitas Prassinos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Diakakis
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios I. Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
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3
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Kwan KYC, Ng KWK, Rao Y, Zhu C, Qi S, Tuan RS, Ker DFE, Wang DM. Effect of Aging on Tendon Biology, Biomechanics and Implications for Treatment Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15183. [PMID: 37894875 PMCID: PMC10607611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tendon aging is associated with an increasing prevalence of tendon injuries and/or chronic tendon diseases, such as tendinopathy, which affects approximately 25% of the adult population. Aged tendons are often characterized by a reduction in the number and functionality of tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs), fragmented or disorganized collagen bundles, and an increased deposition of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), leading to pain, inflammation, and impaired mobility. Although the exact pathology is unknown, overuse and microtrauma from aging are thought to be major causative factors. Due to the hypovascular and hypocellular nature of the tendon microenvironment, healing of aged tendons and related injuries is difficult using current pain/inflammation and surgical management techniques. Therefore, there is a need for novel therapies, specifically cellular therapy such as cell rejuvenation, due to the decreased regenerative capacity during aging. To augment the therapeutic strategies for treating tendon-aging-associated diseases and injuries, a comprehensive understanding of tendon aging pathology is needed. This review summarizes age-related tendon changes, including cell behaviors, extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, biomechanical properties and healing capacity. Additionally, the impact of conventional treatments (diet, exercise, and surgery) is discussed, and recent advanced strategies (cell rejuvenation) are highlighted to address aged tendon healing. This review underscores the molecular and cellular linkages between aged tendon biomechanical properties and the healing response, and provides an overview of current and novel strategies for treating aged tendons. Understanding the underlying rationale for future basic and translational studies of tendon aging is crucial to the development of advanced therapeutics for tendon regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Yu Carissa Kwan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.Y.C.K.); (K.W.K.N.); (Y.R.); (C.Z.); (R.S.T.); (D.F.E.K.)
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka Wai Kerry Ng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.Y.C.K.); (K.W.K.N.); (Y.R.); (C.Z.); (R.S.T.); (D.F.E.K.)
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying Rao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.Y.C.K.); (K.W.K.N.); (Y.R.); (C.Z.); (R.S.T.); (D.F.E.K.)
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chenxian Zhu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.Y.C.K.); (K.W.K.N.); (Y.R.); (C.Z.); (R.S.T.); (D.F.E.K.)
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shengcai Qi
- Department of Prosthodontics, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China;
| | - Rocky S. Tuan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.Y.C.K.); (K.W.K.N.); (Y.R.); (C.Z.); (R.S.T.); (D.F.E.K.)
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Dai Fei Elmer Ker
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.Y.C.K.); (K.W.K.N.); (Y.R.); (C.Z.); (R.S.T.); (D.F.E.K.)
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Dan Michelle Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.Y.C.K.); (K.W.K.N.); (Y.R.); (C.Z.); (R.S.T.); (D.F.E.K.)
- Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Restorative Medicine, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Rampin A, Skoufos I, Raghunath M, Tzora A, Diakakis N, Prassinos N, Zeugolis DI. Allogeneic Serum and Macromolecular Crowding Maintain Native Equine Tenocyte Function in Culture. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091562. [PMID: 35563866 PMCID: PMC9103545 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The absence of a native extracellular matrix and the use of xenogeneic sera are often associated with rapid tenocyte function losses during in vitro culture. Herein, we assessed the influence of different sera (equine serum and foetal bovine serum) on equine tenocyte morphology, viability, metabolic activity, proliferation and protein synthesis as a function of tissue-specific extracellular matrix deposition (induced via macromolecular crowding), aging (passages 3, 6, 9) and time in culture (days 3, 5, 7). In comparison to cells at passage 3, at day 3, in foetal bovine serum and without macromolecular crowding (traditional equine tenocyte culture), the highest number of significantly decreased readouts were observed for cells in foetal bovine serum, at passage 3, at day 5 and day 7 and without macromolecular crowding. Again, in comparison to traditional equine tenocyte culture, the highest number of significantly increased readouts were observed for cells in equine serum, at passage 3 and passage 6, at day 7 and with macromolecular crowding. Our data advocate the use of an allogeneic serum and tissue-specific extracellular matrix for effective expansion of equine tenocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rampin
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Nutrition and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, 47100 Arta, Greece; (A.R.); (I.S.); (A.T.)
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.D.); (N.P.)
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ioannis Skoufos
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Nutrition and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, 47100 Arta, Greece; (A.R.); (I.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Michael Raghunath
- Center for Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Institute for Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland;
| | - Athina Tzora
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Nutrition and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, 47100 Arta, Greece; (A.R.); (I.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Nikolaos Diakakis
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.D.); (N.P.)
| | - Nikitas Prassinos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.D.); (N.P.)
| | - Dimitrios I. Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-17-16-18-84
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5
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Eugenol-Preconditioned Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Promote Antioxidant Capacity of Tendon Stem Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:3945195. [PMID: 35178155 PMCID: PMC8847013 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3945195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tendon stem cells (TSCs) are often exposed to oxidative stress at tendon injury sites, which impairs their physiological effect as well as therapeutic application. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were shown to mediate cell protection and survival under stress conditions. The function of BMSC-EVs may be affected by pretreatment with various factors such as eugenol (EUG)—a powerful antioxidant. In our previous study, we found that H2O2 significantly impaired TSC proliferation and tenogenic differentiation capabilities. Apoptosis and intracellular ROS accumulation in TSCs were induced by H2O2. However, such H2O2-induced damage was prevented by treatment with EUG-BMSC-EVs. Furthermore, EUG-BMSC-EVs activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to counteract H2O2-induced damage in TSCs. In a rat patellar tendon injury model, the ROS level was significantly higher than that in the normal tendon and TSCs not pretreated showed a poor therapeutic effect. However, EUG-BMSC-EV-pretreated TSCs significantly improved tenogenesis and matrix regeneration during tendon healing. Additionally, the EUG-BMSC-EV group had a significantly improved fiber arrangement. Overall, EUG-BMSC-EVs protected TSCs against oxidative stress and enhanced their functions in tendon injury. These findings provide a basis for potential clinical use of EUG-BMSC-EVs as a new therapeutic vehicle to facilitate TSC therapies for tendon regeneration.
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6
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Tendon and multiomics: advantages, advances, and opportunities. NPJ Regen Med 2021; 6:61. [PMID: 34599188 PMCID: PMC8486786 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-021-00168-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tendons heal by fibrosis, which hinders function and increases re-injury risk. Yet the biology that leads to degeneration and regeneration of tendons is not completely understood. Improved understanding of the metabolic nuances that cause diverse outcomes in tendinopathies is required to solve these problems. 'Omics methods are increasingly used to characterize phenotypes in tissues. Multiomics integrates 'omic datasets to identify coherent relationships and provide insight into differences in molecular and metabolic pathways between anatomic locations, and disease stages. This work reviews the current literature pertaining to multiomics in tendon and the potential of these platforms to improve tendon regeneration. We assessed the literature and identified areas where 'omics platforms contribute to the field: (1) Tendon biology where their hierarchical complexity and demographic factors are studied. (2) Tendon degeneration and healing, where comparisons across tendon pathologies are analyzed. (3) The in vitro engineered tendon phenotype, where we compare the engineered phenotype to relevant native tissues. (4) Finally, we review regenerative and therapeutic approaches. We identified gaps in current knowledge and opportunities for future study: (1) The need to increase the diversity of human subjects and cell sources. (2) Opportunities to improve understanding of tendon heterogeneity. (3) The need to use these improvements to inform new engineered and regenerative therapeutic approaches. (4) The need to increase understanding of the development of tendon pathology. Together, the expanding use of various 'omics platforms and data analysis resulting from these platforms could substantially contribute to major advances in the tendon tissue engineering and regenerative medicine field.
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7
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Riasat K, Bardell D, Goljanek-Whysall K, Clegg PD, Peffers MJ. Epigenetic mechanisms in Tendon Ageing. Br Med Bull 2020; 135:90-107. [PMID: 32827252 PMCID: PMC7585832 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldaa023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tendon is a composite material with a well-ordered hierarchical structure exhibiting viscoelastic properties designed to transfer force. It is recognized that the incidence of tendon injury increases with age, suggesting a deterioration in homeostatic mechanisms or reparative processes. This review summarizes epigenetic mechanisms identified in ageing healthy tendon. SOURCES OF DATA We searched multiple databases to produce a systematic review on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in tendon ageing. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Epigenetic mechanisms are important in predisposing ageing tendon to injury. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY The relative importance of epigenetic mechanisms are unknown in terms of promoting healthy ageing. It is also unknown whether these changes represent protective mechanisms to function or predispose to pathology. GROWING POINT Epigenetic markers in ageing tendon, which are under-researched including genome-wide chromatin accessibility, should be investigated. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Metanalysis through integration of multiple datasets and platforms will enable a holistic understanding of the epigenome in ageing and its relevance to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Riasat
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | - David Bardell
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK.,Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Katarzyna Goljanek-Whysall
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | - Peter D Clegg
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | - Mandy J Peffers
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
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Yan Z, Yin H, Brochhausen C, Pfeifer CG, Alt V, Docheva D. Aged Tendon Stem/Progenitor Cells Are Less Competent to Form 3D Tendon Organoids Due to Cell Autonomous and Matrix Production Deficits. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:406. [PMID: 32432103 PMCID: PMC7214752 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tendons are dense connective tissues, which are critical for the integrity and function of our musculoskeletal system. During tendon aging and degeneration, tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) experience profound phenotypic changes with declined cellular functions that can be linked to the known increase in complications during tendon healing process in elderly patients. Tissue engineering is a promising approach for achieving a complete recovery of injured tendons. However, use of autologous cells from aged individuals would require restoring the cellular fitness prior to implantation. In this study, we applied an established cell sheet model for in vitro tenogenesis and compared the sheet formation of TSPC derived from young/healthy (Y-TSPCs) versus aged/degenerative (A-TSPCs) human Achilles tendon biopsies with the purpose to unravel differences in their potential to form self-assembled three-dimensional (3D) tendon organoids. Using our three-step protocol, 4 donors of Y-TSPCs and 9 donors of A-TSPCs were subjected to cell sheet formation and maturation in a period of 5 weeks. The sheets were then cross evaluated by weight and diameter measurements; quantification of cell density, proliferation, senescence and apoptosis; histomorphometry; gene expression of 48 target genes; and collagen type I protein production. The results revealed very obvious and significant phenotype in A-TSPC sheets characterized by being fragile and thin with poor tissue morphology, and significantly lower cell density and proliferation, but significantly higher levels of the senescence-related gene markers and apoptotic cells. Quantitative gene expression analyses at the mRNA and protein levels, also demonstrated abnormal molecular circuits in the A-TSPC sheets. Taken together, we report for the first time that A-TSPCs exhibit profound deficits in forming 3D tendon tissue organoids, thus making the cell sheet model suitable to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in tendon aging and degeneration, as well as examining novel pharmacologic strategies for rejuvenation of aged cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexing Yan
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, University Regensburg Medical Centre, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Heyong Yin
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, University Regensburg Medical Centre, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Christian G Pfeifer
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, University Regensburg Medical Centre, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Volker Alt
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, University Regensburg Medical Centre, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Denitsa Docheva
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, University Regensburg Medical Centre, Regensburg, Germany.,Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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