JCI - Molecular targets for tendon neoformation

Molecular targets for tendon neoformation

Hadi Aslan, Nadav Kimelman-Bleich, Gadi Pelled, Dan Gazit

Published in Volume 118, Issue 2

J Clin Invest. 2008; 118(2):439–444 doi:10.1172/JCI33944

Abstract | Full text | PDF

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Figure 2

A proposed integrative approach toward achieving successful tendon neoformation.

To achieve successful tendon neoformation or regeneration, three main approaches have been described in the literature. Through activation of some transcription factors and signaling molecules (for example, Scx, Six1, and Smad8) that are involved in tendon/ligament morphogenesis, tendon neoformation might be successful. Growth factors such as GDFs have also been described as inducers or enhancers for tendon regeneration. Cells provide the progenitors or stem cells that respond to signals such as growth factors and, through activation of signaling molecules and transcription factors, differentiate into tendon/ligament. We propose that combining these three approaches is necessary to successfully achieve tendon neoformation.