Speaker
Description
Impact of cellular interactions on microarchitecture, matrix remodeling, and tenogenesis
in bioreactor stimulated 3D tendon model
Amrutha Datla, Subha Narayan Rath*
Regenerative Medicine and Stem cell Laboratory, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, India - 502284
ABSTRACT:
Introduction: Tendon injuries are widespread, often leading to tendinopathy due to lack of
early recognition, resulting in discomfort and reduced mobility. Despite their mechanically
active nature, tendons possess limited self-healing capacity, and current clinical interventions
fall short in fully regenerating tendon structure. To address this challenge, an in vitro 3D
model is needed to study disease progression and develop an effective tissue regeneration
strategy.
Methods: In this study, a 3D electrospun nanofiber tube comprising Poly ɛ-Caprolactone
(PCL) is fabricated and encapsulated with goat tendon decellularized extracellular matrix
(tdECM) hydrogel with Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their spheroids. An
amalgamation of these two materials forms an ideal scaffold for tendon tissue engineering.
The scaffolds with cells and their spheroids are subjected to mechanical stimulation in a
bioreactor to mimic the native tissue conditions, which is essential for effective tendon
regeneration. The study compares cellular interactions in the cell and spheroid groups.
Results: The study demonstrates a tissue engineering approach, combining dynamic
mechanical cues from a bioreactor and biochemical cues from tdECM to induce tenogenesis
in MSCs. The scaffolds exhibit increased cell alignment, strength post 21 days of culture.
Gene expression studies reveal an increase in tenogenic markers in response to biomechanical
cues in both groups. The encapsulated cell and spheroid groups show varying results in terms
of gene expression, protein estimation, and cell viability.
Discussion: While it is a known fact that mechanical stimulation and biochemical cues are
important for tendon tissue formation, regeneration, and repair, we emphasize the importance
of cellular interactions in an ECM-rich tissue like tendon where the microarchitecture, matrix
remodeling and tenogenesis depend on the intercellular signaling and mechanosensation.
References:
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S., & Guo, Q. (2023). Recent advances in tendon tissue engineering strategy. Frontiers
in bioengineering and biotechnology, 11, 1115312.
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Guangqi & Long, Ruchao & Yang, Zhihua. (2024). Human Umbilical Cord
Mesenchymal Stem Cells promote tendon functional repair in a Collagenase-Induced
Tendinopathy Model.
3. Snedeker, J. G., & Foolen, J. (2017). Tendon injury and repair - A perspective on the
basic mechanisms of tendon disease and future clinical therapy. Acta biomaterialia, 63,
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4. Dyment, N. A., Barrett, J. G., Awad, H. A., Bautista, C. A., Banes, A. J., & Butler, D.
L. (2020). A brief history of tendon and ligament bioreactors: Impact and future
prospects. Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research
Society, 38(11), 2318–2330.
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