Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived iTenocytes via Combined Scleraxis Overexpression and 2D Uniaxial Tension
Published on: March 1, 2024
Gene expression changes in SNAP-stimulated and iNOS-transfected tenocytes--expression of extracellular matrix genes
Timothy J Molloy1, Charles E de Bock, Yao Wang
1Orthopaedic Research Institute, St. George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia.
Abstract:
Nitric oxide (NO) has a variety of physiological roles, including acting as a key mediator in various phases of tendon healing, but its importance as a modulator of gene expression during tendon healing has not been well studied. The current study used microarray analysis to elucidate global gene expression after transfection with inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in tenocytes isolated from the injured rotator cuff tendons of human patients. We show that the expression of a wide range of genes is affected by NO, with many activated genes having known roles in healing. Of particular significance is that NOS overexpression stimulates the transcription and translation of a range of extracellular matrix genes important to the structure of connective tissues such as tendons, including collagen Ialpha1, collagen IIIalpha1, collagen IValpha5, biglycan, decorin, laminin, and matrix metalloproteinase 10 (MMP10). These genes were also shown to respond to stimulation by the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (SNAP) in a dose-dependent manner. We further show that varying levels of NO significantly affect cellular adhesion in tenocytes, a critical process during tendon repair. These findings will be of use when optimizing the dose of NO delivery in further work investigating NO as potential treatment of tendon injuries.
Related Concept Videos
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
The Extracellular Matrix
Extracellular Matrix
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
