Ectopic induction of tendon and ligament in rats by growth and differentiation factors 5, 6, and 7, members of the TGF-beta gene family.

NM Wolfman, G Hattersley, K Cox… - The Journal of …, 1997 - Am Soc Clin Investig
NM Wolfman, G Hattersley, K Cox, AJ Celeste, R Nelson, N Yamaji, JL Dube…
The Journal of clinical investigation, 1997Am Soc Clin Investig
Little is known about the regulatory signals involved in tendon and ligament formation, and
this lack of understanding has hindered attempts to develop biologically based therapies for
tendon and ligament repair. Here we report that growth and differentiation factors (GDFs) 5,
6, and 7, members of the TGF-beta gene superfamily that are most related to the bone
morphogenetic proteins, induce neotendon/ligament formation when implanted at ectopic
sites in vivo. Analysis of tissue induced by GDF-5, 6, or 7, containing implants by currently …
Little is known about the regulatory signals involved in tendon and ligament formation, and this lack of understanding has hindered attempts to develop biologically based therapies for tendon and ligament repair. Here we report that growth and differentiation factors (GDFs) 5, 6, and 7, members of the TGF-beta gene superfamily that are most related to the bone morphogenetic proteins, induce neotendon/ligament formation when implanted at ectopic sites in vivo. Analysis of tissue induced by GDF-5, 6, or 7, containing implants by currently available morphological and molecular criteria used to characterize tendon and ligament, adds further evidence to the idea that these GDFs act as signaling molecules during embryonic tendon/ligament formation. In addition, comparative in situ localizations of the GDF-5, 6, and 7 mRNAs suggest that these molecules are important regulatory components of synovial joint morphogenesis.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation