In vitro development of a muscle-tendon junction construct using decellularised extracellular matrix: Effect of...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• The muscle tendon junction (MTJ) is critical for force transmission but has limited regeneration capacity due to poor vascularization and complex tissue structure.
• Current treatments for complete MTJ tears are largely unsuccessful, highlighting the need for advanced therapeutic strategies.
• Tissue engineering offers a potential solution for developing functional MTJs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of decellularized extracellular matrix (DECM) derived from sheep MTJ as a scaffold for tissue-engineered MTJs.
• To evaluate the effects of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured on DECM, with and without mechanical strain, on MTJ marker expression and differentiation.

Main Methods:

• Decellularized extracellular matrix (DECM) was isolated from sheep MTJ tissue to create a natural scaffold.
• Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were seeded onto the DECM scaffold and cultured in a bioreactor with 10% cyclic strain.
• Gene and protein expression of MTJ-specific markers (collagen 22, paxillin, talin) and differentiation pathways were analyzed.

Main Results:

• MSCs cultured on DECM exhibited significantly higher expression of MTJ markers (collagen 22, paxillin, talin) compared to 2D cultures.
• While collagen 22 protein expression increased with strain, gene expression of other MTJ markers decreased.
• DECM with 10% strain enhanced myogenic differentiation but reduced tenogenic differentiation in MSCs.

Conclusions:

• DECM derived from the MTJ can successfully induce MTJ marker gene and protein expression in MSCs.
• The application of mechanical strain on DECM scaffolds influences cellular differentiation pathways, with mixed effects on MTJ development.
• Further research is needed to optimize strain parameters for effective MTJ tissue engineering.