Tenogenic Induction From Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Unveils the Trajectory Towards Tenocyte Differentiation

Single Cell Transcriptomics-Informed Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Differentiation to Tenogenic Lineage

During vertebrate embryogenesis, axial tendons develop from the paraxial mesoderm and differentiate through specific developmental stages to reach the syndetome stage. While the main roles of signaling pathways in the earlier stages of the differentiation have been well established, pathway nuances in syndetome specification from the sclerotome stage have yet to be explored. Here, we show stepwise differentiation of human iPSCs to the syndetome stage using chemically defined media and small molecules that were modified based on single cell RNA-sequencing and pathway analysis. We identified a significant population of branching off-target cells differentiating towards a neural phenotype overexpressing Wnt. Further transcriptomics post-addition of a WNT inhibitor at the somite stage and onwards revealed not only total removal of the neural off-target cells, but also increased syndetome induction efficiency. Fine-tuning tendon differentiation in vitro is essential to address the current challenges in developing a successful cell-based tendon therapy.

Diversity of group 1 innate lymphoid cells in human tissues

Group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) are cytotoxic and interferon gamma-producing lymphocytes lacking antigen-specific receptors, which include ILC1s and natural killer (NK) cells. In mice, ILC1s differ from NK cells, as they develop independently of the NK-specifying transcription factor EOMES, while requiring the repressor ZFP683 (ZNF683 in humans) for tissue residency. Here we identify highly variable ILC1 subtypes across tissues through investigation of human ILC1 diversity by single-cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry. The intestinal epithelium contained abundant mature EOMES- ILC1s expressing PRDM1 rather than ZNF683, alongside a few immature TCF7+PRDM1- ILC1s. Other tissues harbored NK cells expressing ZNF683 and EOMES transcripts; however, EOMES protein content was variable. These ZNF683+ NK cells are tissue-imprinted NK cells phenotypically resembling ILC1s. The tissue ILC1-NK spectrum also encompassed conventional NK cells and NK cells distinguished by PTGDS expression. These findings establish a foundation for evaluating phenotypic and functional changes within the NK-ILC1 spectrum in diseases.

Current and emerging technologies for defining and validating tendon cell fate

The tendon field has been flourishing in recent years with the advent of new tools and model systems. The recent ORS 2022 Tendon Section Conference brought together researchers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, showcasing studies in biomechanics and tissue engineering to cell and developmental biology and using models from zebrafish and mouse to humans. This perspective aims to summarize progress in tendon research as it pertains to understanding and studying tendon cell fate. The successful integration of new technologies and approaches have the potential to further propel tendon research into a new renaissance of discovery. However, there are also limitations with the current methodologies that are important to consider when tackling research questions. Altogether, we will highlight recent advances and technologies and propose new avenues to explore tendon biology.

Growth factors in the treatment of Achilles tendon injury

Achilles tendon (AT) injury is one of the most common tendon injuries, especially in athletes, the elderly, and working-age people. In AT injury, the biomechanical properties of the tendon are severely affected, leading to abnormal function. In recent years, many efforts have been underway to develop effective treatments for AT injuries to enable patients to return to sports faster. For instance, several new techniques for tissue-engineered biological augmentation for tendon healing, growth factors (GFs), gene therapy, and mesenchymal stem cells were introduced. Increasing evidence has suggested that GFs can reduce inflammation, promote extracellular matrix production, and accelerate AT repair. In this review, we highlighted some recent investigations regarding the role of GFs, such as transforming GF-β(TGF-β), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), fibroblast GF (FGF), vascular endothelial GF (VEGF), platelet-derived GF (PDGF), and insulin-like GF (IGF), in tendon healing. In addition, we summarized the clinical trials and animal experiments on the efficacy of GFs in AT repair. We also highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of the different isoforms of TGF-β and BMPs, including GFs combined with stem cells, scaffolds, or other GFs. The strategies discussed in this review are currently in the early stages of development. It is noteworthy that although these emerging technologies may potentially develop into substantial clinical treatment options for AT injury, definitive conclusions on the use of these techniques for routine management of tendon ailments could not be drawn due to the lack of data.

Mechanisms of skeletal muscle-tendon development and regeneration/healing as potential therapeutic targets

Skeletal muscle contraction is essential for the movement of our musculoskeletal system. Tendons and ligaments that connect the skeletal muscles to bones in the correct position at the appropriate time during development are also required for movement to occur. Since the musculoskeletal system is essential for maintaining basic bodily functions as well as enabling interactions with the environment, dysfunctions of these tissues due to disease can significantly reduce quality of life. Unfortunately, as people live longer, skeletal muscle and tendon/ligament diseases are becoming more common. Sarcopenia, a disease in which skeletal muscle function declines, and tendinopathy, which involves chronic tendon dysfunction, are particularly troublesome because there have been no significant advances in their treatment. In this review, we will summarize previous reports on the development and regeneration/healing of skeletal muscle and tendon tissues, including a discussion of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved that may be used as potential therapeutic targets.

Single-cell RNA sequencing in orthopedic research

Although previous RNA sequencing methods have been widely used in orthopedic research and have provided ideas for therapeutic strategies, the specific mechanisms of some orthopedic disorders, including osteoarthritis, lumbar disc herniation, rheumatoid arthritis, fractures, tendon injuries, spinal cord injury, heterotopic ossification, and osteosarcoma, require further elucidation. The emergence of the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technique has introduced a new era of research on these topics, as this method provides information regarding cellular heterogeneity, new cell subtypes, functions of novel subclusters, potential molecular mechanisms, cell-fate transitions, and cell‒cell interactions that are involved in the development of orthopedic diseases. Here, we summarize the cell subpopulations, genes, and underlying mechanisms involved in the development of orthopedic diseases identified by scRNA-seq, improving our understanding of the pathology of these diseases and providing new insights into therapeutic approaches.