Cell Therapies for Improving Tissue Regeneration
Cells expressing Gli1, a transcription factor indicative of Hh activation, are the primary population that builds the tendon enthesis and facilitates the formation of a mineral graded fibrocartilage. Gli1-responsive (Gli1+) cells also act as stem/progenitor cells to maintain tissue homeostasis and regulate tissue regeneration or pathological tissue formation in meniscus, bone, bone marrow, tooth, and colon.
Stem Cell Niche in Musculoskeletal Tissues
One of the causes contributing to poor healing of aged musculoskeletal tissues is that mature tissues have decreased stem cell numbers and activities. To overcome this hurdle, cell-based therapies have been proposed as a strategy to trigger native tissue formation and function restoration.
Tendon & Enthesis Mechanotransduction via Primary Cilia
Tendons are mechanosensitive load-bearing tissues. Decreased loading causes defects during development and structural remodeling in adult tendons. To further illustrate underlying principles, tendon progenitor/stem cells have been reported to acquire chondrogenic and osteogenic features after mechanical stimulation.
