Bringing tendon biology to heel: Leveraging mechanisms of tendon development, healing, and regeneration to advance therapeutic strategies. Issue 3 (21st November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tsai, Stephanie L.; Nödl, Marie‐Therese; Galloway, Jenna L.
• Other Names: Bandyopadhyay Amitabha guestEditor.; Francis‐West Philippa guestEditor.; Katti Dhirendra guestEditor.; Roselló‐Díez Alberto guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Developmental dynamics. Volume 250:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 393
• Page End: 413
• Publication Date: 2020-11-21
• Subjects: connective tissues -- injury -- repair -- stem cells -- tendon; Morphogenesis -- Periodicals; Anatomy -- Periodicals; Anatomie -- Périodiques; Biologie du développement -- Périodiques; 571.833
• DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.269
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1058-8388

Abstract

Abstract: Tendons are specialized matrix‐rich connective tissues that transmit forces from muscle to bone and are essential for movement. As tissues that frequently transfer large mechanical loads, tendons are commonly injured in patients of all ages. Following injury, mammalian tendons heal poorly through a slow process that forms disorganized fibrotic scar tissue with inferior biomechanical function. Current treatments are limited and patients can be left with a weaker tendon that is likely to rerupture and an increased chance of developing degenerative conditions. More effective, alternative treatments are needed. However, our current understanding of tendon biology remains limited. Here, we emphasize why expanding our knowledge of tendon development, healing, and regeneration is imperative for advancing tendon regenerative medicine. We provide a comprehensive review of the current mechanisms governing tendon development and healing and further highlight recent work in regenerative tendon models including the neonatal mouse and zebrafish. Importantly, we discuss how present and future discoveries can be applied to both augment current treatments and design novel strategies to treat tendon injuries. Key Findings: Tendons connect and transfer forces from muscle to bone Tendon injuries/disorders are a growing healthcare burden and treatments are limited Mammalian tendons have poor healing capacities Elucidating mechanisms governing tendon development, healing, and regeneration will accelerate advances in tendon regenerative medicine