Crosstalk between adipose stem cells and tendon cells reveals a temporal regulation of tenogenesis by matrix deposition and remodeling.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Tendon injuries constitute an unmet clinical challenge owing to the limited intrinsic regenerative ability of this tissue. Cell-based therapies aim at improving tendon healing through the delicate orchestration of tissue rebuilding and regain of function. Hence, human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) have been proposed as a promising cell source for boosting tendon regeneration. In this work, we investigated the influence of hASCs on native human tendon-derived cells (hTDCs) through the establishment of a direct contact co-culture system. Results demonstrated that direct interactions between these cell types resulted in controlled proliferation and spontaneous cell elongation. ECM-related genes, particularly COL1A1 and TNC, and genes involved in ECM remodeling, such as MMP1, MMP2, MMP3, and TIMP1, were expressed in co-culture in a temporally regulated manner. In addition, deposition of collagen type I was accelerated in co-culture systems and favored over the production of collagen type III, resulting in an enhanced COL1/COL3 ratio as soon as 7 days. In conclusion, hASCs seem to be good candidates in modulating the behavior of native tendon cells, particularly through a balanced process of ECM synthesis and degradation.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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