About this Research Topic
Tissue Engineering (TE) is a promising approach, which strives to restore function by combining cells with scaffolds composed of natural and/or synthetic materials. The effect of mechanical loading is important for the tendon embryonic development as well as for the maintenance of tendon homeostasis. However, there are still open questions concerning mechanical stimulation protocols for engineered tendons. Matrix structure and rigidity are crucial in regulating physiological and pathological cell functions, but the optimal parameters are still underinvestigated. Gaining insights into the biomechanical mechanisms involved in the communication between tenocytes and their microenvironment to develop TE approaches is one of the main goals of this Research Topic.
This Research Topic will explore the most recent findings, advances, and prospects in all aspects of the maintenance of tendon homeostasis or steering tenogenesis by mechanical stimulation. We encourage the submission of original research and review articles focused on the tendon-specific effect of mechanical loading. Answers should be given to questions, about how matrix stiffness influences tenocytes, their differentiation, matrix synthesis, and tissue homeostasis. We especially welcome discoveries related to mechanotransduction and cell behavior in three-dimensional scaffolds for tendon TE approaches. Understanding the interplay between tenocytes and their microenvironment during mechanical stimulation will give us important insights into the molecular mechanisms of tendon-specific proliferation, migration, differentiation, and matrix synthesis.
• Stretch protocols to achieve specific tendon matrix synthesis
• Tenogenesis in scaffolds
• Bioreactors for tendon TE
• Mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways
Keywords: mechanostimulation, tendinogenesis, cyclic stretch, tendon tissue engineering, matrix expression, scaffolds
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