Donor age affects proteome composition of tenocyte-derived engineered tendon

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Proteomics

Background:

• Tissue engineering aims to enhance healing using biological scaffolds with functional cells.
• Autologous cells are preferred to minimize immune responses.
• Age-related changes in older donors can affect cell function and tissue protein content, potentially impacting therapeutic success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of donor age on the proteome composition of tenocyte-derived tendon tissue-engineered constructs.
• To understand how aging affects the cellular and extracellular matrix components in engineered tendons.

Main Methods:

• Proteomic analysis using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
• Assessment of tissue-engineered constructs derived from tenocytes of young and old equine donors.

Main Results:

• Significant alterations in extracellular matrix composition were observed with aging, including collagen accumulation (types I, III, XIV).
• Cytoskeletal turnover was reduced in constructs from older donors.
• Proteins related to mechanical responsiveness and cell-extracellular matrix interactions (e.g., calponin 1, palladin) were affected by donor age.

Conclusions:

• Donor age demonstrably alters the proteome of engineered tendon constructs.
• These age-related proteomic changes highlight the importance of considering donor age in the development of autologous tissue-engineered therapies.