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Konar S, Leung S, Tay ML, Coleman B, Dalbeth N, Cornish J, Naot D, Musson DS. Novel In Vitro Platform for Studying the Cell Response to Healthy and Diseased Tendon Matrices. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:3293-3305. [PMID: 38666422 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Current in vitro models poorly represent the healthy or diseased tendon microenvironment, limiting the translation of the findings to clinics. The present work aims to establish a physiologically relevant in vitro tendon platform that mimics biophysical aspects of a healthy and tendinopathic tendon matrix using a decellularized bovine tendon and to characterize tendon cells cultured using this platform. Bovine tendons were subjected to various decellularization techniques, with the efficacy of decellularization determined histologically. The biomechanical and architectural properties of the decellularized tendons were characterized using an atomic force microscope. Tendinopathy-mimicking matrices were prepared by treating the decellularized tendons with collagenase for 3 h or collagenase-chondroitinase (CC) for 1 h. The tendon tissue collected from healthy and tendinopathic patients was characterized using an atomic force microscope and compared to that of decellularized matrices. Healthy human tendon-derived cells (hTDCs) from the hamstring tendon were cultured on the decellularized matrices for 24 or 48 h, with cell morphology characterized using f-actin staining and gene expression characterized using real-time PCR. Tendon matrices prepared by freeze-thawing and 48 h nuclease treatment were fully decellularized, and the aligned structure and tendon stiffness (1.46 MPa) were maintained. Collagenase treatment prepared matrices with a disorganized architecture and reduced stiffness (0.75 MPa), mimicking chronic tendinopathy. Treatment with CC prepared matrices with a disorganized architecture without altering stiffness, mimicking early tendinopathy (1.52 MPa). hTDCs on a healthy tendon matrix were elongated, and the scleraxis (SCX) expression was maintained. On tendinopathic matrices, hTDCs had altered morphological characteristics and lower SCX expression. The expression of genes related to actin polymerization, matrix degradation and remodeling, and immune cell invasion were higher in hTDCs on tendinopathic matrices. Overall, the present study developed a physiological in vitro system to mimic healthy tendons and early and late tendinopathy, and it can be used to better understand tendon cell characteristics in healthy and diseased states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhajit Konar
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Sophia Leung
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Mei Lin Tay
- Department of Surgery, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Brendan Coleman
- Department of Orthopaedics, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland 1640, New Zealand
| | - Nicola Dalbeth
- Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Jillian Cornish
- Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Dorit Naot
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - David S Musson
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
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Zamboulis DE, Marr N, Lenzi L, Birch HL, Screen HRC, Clegg PD, Thorpe CT. The Interfascicular Matrix of Energy Storing Tendons Houses Heterogenous Cell Populations Disproportionately Affected by Aging. Aging Dis 2024; 15:295-310. [PMID: 37307816 PMCID: PMC10796100 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0425-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy storing tendons such as the human Achilles and equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) are prone to injury, with incidence increasing with aging, peaking in the 5th decade of life in the human Achilles tendon. The interfascicular matrix (IFM), which binds tendon fascicles, plays a key role in energy storing tendon mechanics, and aging alterations to the IFM negatively impact tendon function. While the mechanical role of the IFM in tendon function is well-established, the biological role of IFM-resident cell populations remains to be elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify IFM-resident cell populations and establish how these populations are affected by aging. Cells from young and old SDFTs were subjected to single cell RNA-sequencing, and immunolabelling for markers of each resulting population used to localise cell clusters. Eleven cell clusters were identified, including tenocytes, endothelial cells, mural cells, and immune cells. One tenocyte cluster localised to the fascicular matrix, whereas nine clusters localised to the IFM. Interfascicular tenocytes and mural cells were preferentially affected by aging, with differential expression of genes related to senescence, dysregulated proteostasis and inflammation. This is the first study to establish heterogeneity in IFM cell populations, and to identify age-related alterations specific to IFM-localised cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danae E. Zamboulis
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, NW1 0TU, UK.
| | - Neil Marr
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, NW1 0TU, UK.
| | - Luca Lenzi
- Centre for Genomic Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
| | - Helen L. Birch
- Department of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, University College London, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, HA7 4LP, UK.
| | - Hazel R. C. Screen
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Peter D. Clegg
- Department of Musculoskeletal and AgingScience, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK.
| | - Chavaunne T. Thorpe
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, NW1 0TU, UK.
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Trotta MC, Itro A, Lepre CC, Russo M, Guida F, Moretti A, Braile A, Tarantino U, D’Amico M, Toro G. Effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium on human tenocytes exposed to high glucose. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2024; 16:1759720X231214903. [PMID: 38204801 PMCID: PMC10775729 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x231214903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Diabetic tendinopathy is a common invalidating and challenging disease that may be treated using stem cells. However, the effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium (ASC-CM) in diabetic tendinopathy have never been explored. Objectives The present study evaluated the effects of ASC-CM on morphology, cell viability, structure, and scratch wound closure of human tenocytes (HTNC) exposed to high glucose (HG). Design Experimental study. Methods HTNC were exposed to HG (25 mM) for 7, 14 and 21 days with or without ASC-CM for the last 24 h. CM was collected from 4 × 105 ASCs, centrifuged for 10 min at 200 g and sterilized with 0.22 μm syringe filter. Results At 7 days, HG-HTNC had decreased cell viability [72 ± 2%, p < 0.01 versus normal glucose (NG)] compared to NG-HTNC (90 ± 5%). A further decrement was detected after 14 and 21 days (60 ± 4% and 60 ± 5%, both, p < 0.01 versus NG and p < 0.01 versus HG7). While NG-HTNC evidenced a normal fibroblast cell-like elongated morphology, HG-HTNC showed increased cell roundness. In contrast, HG-HTNC exposed to ASC-CM showed a significant increase in cell viability, an improved cell morphology and higher scratch wound closure at all HG time points. Moreover, the exposure to ASC-CM significantly increased thrombospondin 1 and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) content in HG-HTNC. The TGF-β1 elevation was paralleled by higher Collagen I and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in HG-HTNC. Conclusion ASC-CM may restore the natural morphology, cell viability and structure of HTNC, promoting their scratch wound closure through TGF-β1 increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Itro
- PhD Course in Translational Medicine, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Claudia Lepre
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Russo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Antimo Moretti
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Adriano Braile
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Umberto Tarantino
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Caterina ClaudiaLepre is also affiliated to PhD Course in Translational Medicine, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitell’, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele D’Amico
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Toro
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Via L. De Crecchio 6, Naples 80138, Italy
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Ribeiro S, Pugliese E, Korntner SH, Fernandes EM, Gomes ME, Reis RL, O'Riordan A, Bayon Y, Zeugolis DI. Assessing the combined effect of surface topography and substrate rigidity in human bone marrow stem cell cultures. Eng Life Sci 2022; 22:619-633. [PMID: 36247829 PMCID: PMC9550738 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202200029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Ribeiro
- Medtronic Sofradim Production Trevoux France
- Regenerative Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM) National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway) Galway Ireland
| | - Eugenia Pugliese
- Regenerative Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM) National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway) Galway Ireland
| | - Stefanie H. Korntner
- Regenerative Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM) National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway) Galway Ireland
| | - Emanuel M. Fernandes
- 3B's Research Group I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine AvePark Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Zona Industrial da Gandra Barco Guimarães Portugal
- ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães Portugal
| | - Manuela E. Gomes
- 3B's Research Group I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine AvePark Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Zona Industrial da Gandra Barco Guimarães Portugal
- ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- 3B's Research Group I3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics University of Minho Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine AvePark Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia Zona Industrial da Gandra Barco Guimarães Portugal
- ICVS/3B's – PT Government Associate Laboratory Braga/Guimarães Portugal
| | | | - Yves Bayon
- Medtronic Sofradim Production Trevoux France
| | - Dimitrios I. Zeugolis
- Regenerative Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM) National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway) Galway Ireland
- Regenerative Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL) Charles Institute of Dermatology Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering University College Dublin (UCD) Dublin Ireland
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Rampin A, Skoufos I, Raghunath M, Tzora A, Diakakis N, Prassinos N, Zeugolis DI. Allogeneic Serum and Macromolecular Crowding Maintain Native Equine Tenocyte Function in Culture. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091562. [PMID: 35563866 PMCID: PMC9103545 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The absence of a native extracellular matrix and the use of xenogeneic sera are often associated with rapid tenocyte function losses during in vitro culture. Herein, we assessed the influence of different sera (equine serum and foetal bovine serum) on equine tenocyte morphology, viability, metabolic activity, proliferation and protein synthesis as a function of tissue-specific extracellular matrix deposition (induced via macromolecular crowding), aging (passages 3, 6, 9) and time in culture (days 3, 5, 7). In comparison to cells at passage 3, at day 3, in foetal bovine serum and without macromolecular crowding (traditional equine tenocyte culture), the highest number of significantly decreased readouts were observed for cells in foetal bovine serum, at passage 3, at day 5 and day 7 and without macromolecular crowding. Again, in comparison to traditional equine tenocyte culture, the highest number of significantly increased readouts were observed for cells in equine serum, at passage 3 and passage 6, at day 7 and with macromolecular crowding. Our data advocate the use of an allogeneic serum and tissue-specific extracellular matrix for effective expansion of equine tenocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rampin
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Nutrition and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, 47100 Arta, Greece; (A.R.); (I.S.); (A.T.)
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.D.); (N.P.)
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ioannis Skoufos
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Nutrition and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, 47100 Arta, Greece; (A.R.); (I.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Michael Raghunath
- Center for Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Institute for Chemistry and Biotechnology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland;
| | - Athina Tzora
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Nutrition and Biotechnology, School of Agriculture, University of Ioannina, 47100 Arta, Greece; (A.R.); (I.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Nikolaos Diakakis
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.D.); (N.P.)
| | - Nikitas Prassinos
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.D.); (N.P.)
| | - Dimitrios I. Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-17-16-18-84
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Konar S, Bolam SM, Coleman B, Dalbeth N, McGlashan SR, Leung S, Cornish J, Naot D, Musson DS. Changes in Physiological Tendon Substrate Stiffness Have Moderate Effects on Tendon-Derived Cell Growth and Immune Cell Activation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:800748. [PMID: 35295642 PMCID: PMC8918575 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.800748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tendinopathy is characterised by pathological changes in tendon matrix composition, architecture, and stiffness, alterations in tendon resident cell characteristics, and fibrosis, with inflammation also emerging as an important factor in tendinopathy progression. The sequence of pathological changes in tendinopathy and the cellular effects of the deteriorating matrix are largely unknown. This study investigated the effects of substrate stiffness on tendon-derived cells (TDCs) and THP-1 macrophages using PDMS substrates representing physiological tendon stiffness (1.88 MPa), a stiff gel (3.17 MPa) and a soft gel (0.61 MPa). Human TDCs were cultured on the different gel substrates and on tissue culture plastic. Cell growth was determined by alamarBlue™ assay, cell morphology was analysed in f-actin labelled cells, and phenotypic markers were analysed by real-time PCR. We found that in comparison to TDCs growing on gels with physiological stiffness, cell growth increased on soft gels at 48 h (23%, p = 0.003). Cell morphology was similar on all three gels. SCX expression was slightly reduced on the soft gels (1.4-fold lower, p = 0.026) and COL1A1 expression increased on the stiff gels (2.2-fold, p = 0.041). Culturing THP-1 macrophages on soft gels induced increased expression of IL1B (2-fold, p = 0.018), and IL8 expression was inhibited on the stiffer gels (1.9-fold, p = 0.012). We also found that culturing TDCs on plastic increased cell growth, altered cell morphology, and inhibited the expression of SCX, SOX9, MMP3, and COL3. We conclude that TDCs and macrophages respond to changes in matrix stiffness. The magnitude of responses measured in TDCs were minor on the range of substrate stiffness tested by the gels. Changes in THP-1 macrophages suggested a more inflammatory phenotype on substrates with non-physiological stiffness. Although cell response to subtle variations in matrix stiffness was moderate, it is possible that these alterations may contribute to the onset and progression of tendinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhajit Konar
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Scott M. Bolam
- Department of Surgery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brendan Coleman
- Department of Orthopaedics, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Nicola Dalbeth
- Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sue R. McGlashan
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sophia Leung
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jillian Cornish
- Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Dorit Naot
- Department of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David S. Musson
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: David S. Musson,
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