Effect of Mechanical Loading on the Tendon for Tissue Engineering Approaches

Tendon tissue plays a crucial role in the execution of movements, yet it is highly susceptible to injuries and diseases that can lead to long-lasting consequences. The complex hierarchical structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM), combined with the tissue's hypocellularity and hypovascularity, results in a low repair capacity and a high risk of recurrent rupture. Mechanosensitive tenocytes, which are responsible for ECM synthesis, rely heavily on the local loading environment to function properly. Cellular mechanosensors such as integrins, focal adhesion kinase, ion channels, and other transmembrane receptors are activated by cyclic stretch, triggering complex intercellular molecular cascades that can influence tendon repair processes. Despite the promise of Tissue Engineering (TE) approaches, which aim to restore tendon function by combining cells with natural or synthetic scaffolds, there remain significant gaps in our understanding of the optimal mechanical stimulation protocols for engineered tendons. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of matrix structure and rigidity in regulating both physiological and pathological cell functions, yet the optimal parameters for these factors remain underexplored.

This research topic aims to gain insights into the biomechanical mechanisms involved in the communication between tenocytes and their microenvironment to develop effective TE approaches. Specifically, it seeks to answer questions about how matrix stiffness influences tenocyte behavior, including differentiation, matrix synthesis, and tissue homeostasis. By exploring the most recent findings and advances in the field, this research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying tendon-specific proliferation, migration, differentiation, and matrix synthesis during mechanical stimulation. The ultimate goal is to develop optimized mechanical loading protocols that can enhance tendon repair and regeneration.

To gather further insights into the biomechanical mechanisms and their implications for tendon tissue engineering, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Stretch protocols to achieve specific tendon matrix synthesis
- Tenogenesis in scaffolds
- Bioreactors for tendon TE
- Mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways

Keywords: mechanostimulation, tendinogenesis, cyclic stretch, tendon tissue engineering, matrix expression, scaffolds

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.