Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alla Zorina, Vadim Zorin, Dmitry Kudlay, Pavel Kopnin
Summary: Skin aging is a multi-factorial process that involves impairment of skin structures and functions, particularly in the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to disrupted functioning of dermal fibroblasts (DFs). The integrity of the collagen matrix (CM) is crucial for proper adhesion and mechanical tension in DFs, allowing them to maintain collagen homeostasis. Impaired CM integrity disrupts mechanotransduction and impairs DF functioning, contributing to the progression of aging processes in skin tissues.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Junzhe Lou, Yan Xia
Summary: In this study, we introduce a new strategy to reversibly tune the stiffness and stress-relaxation of hydrazone-crosslinked hydrogels by incorporating a small-molecule competitor. By adjusting the cross-linking density, the mechanical properties of hydrogels can be altered, which has potential applications in cell delivery to improve cell viability during injection.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shichen Zhang, Wei Ju, Xiaoyi Chen, Yanyan Zhao, Lingchong Feng, Zi Yin, Xiao Chen
Summary: This review summarizes recent research on the structure and function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) components of tendons and highlights the application of multiple detection methodologies concerning the structure of ECMs. The focus is on macro to micro detection methods for tendons, and current techniques for evaluating the extracellular matrix of tendons at the micro level are introduced in detail. The review also emphasizes future ECM detection methods and the potential for fabricating biomimetic tendons.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Takenori Omoto, Dilimulati Yimiti, Yohei Sanada, Minoru Toriyama, Chenyang Ding, Yuta Hayashi, Yasunari Ikuta, Tomoyuki Nakasa, Masakazu Ishikawa, Masayuki Sano, Minjung Lee, Takayuki Akimoto, Chisa Shukunami, Shigeru Miyaki, Nobuo Adachi
Summary: This study investigated the role of DICER in tendon maturation using Dicer conditional knockout (cKO) mice and identified key miRNAs in tendon maturation. The findings suggest that DICER plays an important role in tendon development, and miR-135a may be a crucial miRNA for tendon maturation and healing.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Danielle Steffen, Michael J. Mienaltowski, Keith Baar
Summary: The effect of mechanical load on tendinopathic tissue varies depending on the type of load. Dynamic loading increases fibrocartilage markers, while long isometric loads stimulate markers of tendon regeneration.
Article
Oncology
Jeppe Thorlacius-Ussing, Christina Jensen, Neel Nissen, Thomas R. Cox, Raghu Kalluri, Morten Karsdal, Nicholas Willumsen
Summary: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) affect cancer progression and treatment outcomes by depositing and remodeling collagens in the tumor microenvironment. This study explores the expression and association of different collagen subtypes in CAFs and cancer prognosis. Pancreatic stellate cells and fibroblasts are the primary collagen producers in the pancreas, and specific collagen subtypes are associated with different CAF subtypes and survival outcomes. Circulating collagen biomarkers, specifically COL11A1 (myCAF), show promise as diagnostic markers for cancer.
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sylwia Dabrowska, Martyna Ekiert-Radecka, Joanna Karbowniczek, Wladyslaw P. Weglarz, Marcin Heljak, Maciej Lojkowski, Rafal Obuchowicz, Wojciech Swieszkowski, Andrzej Mlyniec
Summary: This study investigates the influence of early-stage calcification on the mechanical and structural properties of tendon fascicle bundles. It reveals that the calcification process modifies the collagen-matrix relationships and leads to a change in their mechanical properties. These findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of clinical conditions caused by calcification and contribute to the development of effective treatments.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Lucia Adriana Lifshits, Miryam Rabin, Ran Tohar, Francesca Netti, Matan Gabay, Marina Sova, Daniel Z. Bar, Evgeny Weinberg, Lihi Adler-Abramovich, Maayan Gal
Summary: Collagen is an essential protein in mammalian tissues and plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. By modulating cellular hypoxia pathways, it has been discovered that the accumulation of collagen can be enhanced, thus increasing natural collagen production in mammalian cells.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Guangling Li, Jing Yang, Demei Zhang, Xiaomei Wang, Jingjing Han, Xueya Guo
Summary: This article explores the importance of myocardial fibrosis in the occurrence and maintenance of atrial fibrillation and discusses the methods of evaluating myocardial fibrosis and the existing issues. The article proposes new ideas for evaluating and treating myocardial fibrosis and atrial fibrillation.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
R. J. Leiphart, S. N. Weiss, M. S. DiStefano, A. A. Mavridis, S. A. Adams, N. A. Dyment, L. J. Soslowsky
Summary: This study investigates the role of collagen V in tendon healing using knockdown models. The results show that Col5a1 knockdown affects tendon gene expression and collagen fibril size and shape, with heterozygous knockdown resulting in improved stiffness of healing tendons.
JOURNAL OF BIOMECHANICS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Neel I. Nissen, Astrid Z. Johansen, Inna Chen, Julia S. Johansen, Rasmus S. Pedersen, Carsten P. Hansen, Morten A. Karsdal, Nicholas Willumsen
Summary: This study established an in vitro fibroblast model related to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and used collagen biomarkers as a screening tool for anti-fibrotic drugs. The findings suggest that collagen biomarkers can quantify fibroblast activity in vitro and predict the survival rate in PDAC patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zongfu Pan, Tong Xu, Lisha Bao, Xiaoping Hu, Tiefeng Jin, Jinming Chen, Jianqiang Chen, Yangyang Qian, Xixuan Lu, Lu Li, Guowan Zheng, Yiwen Zhang, Xiaozhou Zou, Feifeng Song, Chuanming Zheng, Liehao Jiang, Jiafeng Wang, Zhuo Tan, Ping Huang, Minghua Ge
Summary: CREB3L1 is upregulated in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and negatively associated with patient survival. Knockdown of CREB3L1 inhibits invasion of ATC cells, while its overexpression promotes invasion of papillary thyroid carcinoma cells. Additionally, CREB3L1 maintains cancer-associated fibroblast-like properties in ATC cells by activating ECM signaling.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ghazal Sadri, Annalara G. Fischer, Kenneth R. Brittian, Erin Elliott, Matthew A. Nystoriak, Shizuka Uchida, Marcin Wysoczynski, Andrew Leask, Steven P. Jones, Joseph B. Moore
Summary: Collagen XIX is primarily produced by fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells in the adult murine heart. It plays a role in regulating cardiac structure and function, potentially by modulating the organization of fibrillar collagen within the extracellular matrix.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Viktoriya Shishkina, Andrey Kostin, Artem Volodkin, Vera Samoilova, Igor Buchwalow, Markus Tiemann, Dmitri Atiakshin
Summary: This study analyzed the skin dermis of C57BL/6J mice after a long stay in space flight and found that weightlessness resulted in an increase in type III collagen-rich fibers and a decrease in co-localization of mast cells with fibroblasts and impregnated fibers. The potential molecular and cellular mechanisms for the changes in fibrillogenesis activity and the decrease in fibrous structures with a predominant content of type-I collagen under zero-gravity conditions are discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Malwina Botor, Aleksandra Augusciak-Duma, Marta Lesiak, Lukasz Sieron, Agata Dziedzic-Kowalska, Joanna Witecka, Marek Asman, Anna Madetko-Talowska, Miroslaw Bik-Multanowski, Anna Galicka, Aleksander L. Sieron, Katarzyna Gawron
Summary: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of connective tissue disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding collagen type I (Col I), leading to abnormal bone formation. This study identified and analyzed the expression profiles of miRNAs involved in bone extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation in OI patients. The findings shed light on the complex processes governing bone formation and pave the way for further research and therapeutic advancements in OI and other genetic diseases related to bone abnormality management.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Henrique Mansur, Joao Luiz Quagliotti Durigan, Marcos de Noronha, Michael Kjaer, S. Peter Magnusson, Bruno Abdo Santana de Araujo, Rita de Cassia Marqueti
Summary: Increasing age affects morphologic changes in major tendons, but its effects on the cross-sectional area (CSA) of different ankle tendons are less understood. This study found significant differences in CSA among age groups and along different tendon regions. However, there were no differences in tendon CSA between sexes.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Jens Rithamer Jakobsen, Abigail Louise Mackey, Manuel Koch, Thomas Imhof, Jens Hannibal, Michael Kjaer, Michael Rindom Krogsgaard
Summary: The myotendinous junction (MTJ) is structurally specialized to transmit force. Muscles with a high content of type II muscle fibers are more prone to strain injury compared to those with type I muscle fibers. Confocal microscopy analysis revealed that the surface area of the MTJ is smaller in type II muscle fibers compared to type I fibers. This suggests that type II muscle fibers have lower resistance to strain and are therefore more susceptible to injury.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & SCIENCE IN SPORTS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Larissa Sinkam, Iris Boraschi-Diaz, Rene B. Svensson, Michael Kjaer, Svetlana V. Komarova, Raynald Bergeron, Frank Rauch, Louis-Nicolas Veilleux
Summary: The purpose of this study was to assess the tendon properties of Col1a1(Jrt/+) mice, especially in the context of a collagen type I mutation. The results showed that the FDL tendons of Col1a1(Jrt/+) mice had smaller width and thickness, smaller cross-sectional area, and reduced mechanical properties compared to wild-type mice. However, the material properties of the tendons were seemingly normal. It remains unclear whether the tendon phenotype in Col1a1(Jrt/+) mice is due to muscle weakness, the direct effect of the Col1a1 mutation, or a combination of both.
CONNECTIVE TISSUE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Yoshifumi Tsuchiya, Rene B. Svensson, Ching-Yan Chloe Yeung, Peter Schjerling, Michael Kjaer
Summary: Skeletal muscle has adaptability and regenerative potential due to muscle stem cell activity. The interplay between skeletal muscle and adjacent tendon tissue has not been fully investigated. In this study, we found that factors released by mechanically loaded tendon constructs stimulated myotube formation in human-derived myoblasts. These results suggest the importance of mechanical loading in the signaling interplay between skeletal muscle and tendon tissue for musculoskeletal tissue development and regeneration in humans.
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Rudi Hansen, Christoffer Brushoj, Michael Skovdal Rathleff, S. Peter Magnusson, Marius Henriksen
Summary: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two 12-week exercise programs targeting either the quadriceps or the hip muscles in patients with patellofemoral pain. The results showed that both exercise programs were equally effective in improving symptoms and function for these patients.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Naiara Demnitz, Anne T. Gates, Erik L. Mortensen, Ellen Garde, Cathrine L. Wimmelmann, Hartwig R. Siebner, Michael Kjaer, Carl-Johan Boraxbekk
Summary: Understanding individual variability in response to physical activity is crucial for developing more effective and personalized interventions for healthy aging. This study used longitudinal data from a randomized-controlled trial to investigate individual differences in a 12-month muscle strengthening intervention for older adults. Results showed significant differences in baseline physical function, sex, and depressive symptoms between trajectory groups. Improvers and decliners also exhibited significant grey matter differences in specific brain regions.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Ching-Yan Chloe Yeung, Annesofie T. Olesen, Richard Wilson, Shireen R. Lamande, John F. Bateman, Rene B. Svensson, S. Peter Magnusson, Michael Kjaer
Summary: Both aging and physical activity can affect the amount of intramuscular connective tissue in skeletal muscle. This study investigated the impact on specific extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and found that aging is associated with an increased abundance of these proteins. However, regular physical activity did not alter the ECM protein levels. These findings indicate that age-related changes in the intramuscular ECM solubility can occur, but physical training does not have the same effect.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Rikke Hoeffner, Rene B. Svensson, Franciele Dietrich-Zagonel, Daniel Schefte, Michael Kjaer, Pernilla Eliasson, S. Peter Magnusson
Summary: Permanent loss of muscle function after Achilles tendon rupture may be due to tendon elongation and accompanying muscle shortening. In rats, Achilles tendon transection resulted in increased tendon length, decreased muscle mass and length, and reduced serial sarcomere number, regardless of suturing. These changes led to an overshoot lengthening of the sarcomeres.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Anders Karlsen, Ching-Yan Chloe Yeung, Peter Schjerling, Linda Denz, Christian Hoegsbjerg, Jens R. Jakobsen, Michael R. Krogsgaard, Manuel Koch, Stefano Schiaffino, Michael Kjaer, Abigail L. Mackey
Summary: Through single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we identified distinct clusters of myonuclei in the myotendinous junction (MTJ) of humans, characterized by different gene expression profiles and fiber types, which has important implications for understanding the specialization of the MTJ.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Ching-Yan Chloe Yeung, Rene B. Svensson, Kateryna Yurchenko, Nikolaj M. Malmgaard-Clausen, Ida Tryggedsson, Marius Lendal, Anja Jokipii-Utzon, Jens L. Olesen, Yinhui Lu, Karl E. Kadler, Peter Schjerling, Michael Kjaer
Summary: By analyzing samples from healthy individuals, researchers found that the gene expression in human tendon tissue exhibited day-to-night changes, with a reduction in collagen I expression during the night. However, chronic tendinopathy patients showed fewer differential gene expressions. This indicates the presence of a conserved circadian clock in healthy human patellar tendons.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Sport Sciences
Anne-Sofie Agergaard, Jonathan D. Comins, Volkert Siersma, Nikolaj M. Malmgaard-Clausen, Christian Couppe, Mikkel H. Hjortshoej, Jens L. Olesen, S. Peter Magnusson
Summary: The current study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-patellar tendinopathy (VISA-P) questionnaire. The results showed that the VISA-P did not fit a unidimensional model, yielded at best a 3-factor model, and exhibited differential item functioning (DIF) across healthy subjects versus people with patellar tendinopathy. Therefore, a new PROM for patellar tendinopathy should be developed and appropriately validated.
TRANSLATIONAL SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Physiology
M. H. Hjortshoej, P. Aagaard, C. D. Storgaard, H. Juneja, J. Lundbye-Jensen, S. P. Magnusson, C. Couppe
Summary: This study evaluated the hormonal, immune, and oxidative stress responses in healthy adults following low-load blood-flow restricted resistance exercise (LL-BFRRE) and conventional free-flow resistance exercise (FFRE). The results showed that LL-BFRRE induced higher hormone and immune responses compared to FFRE, and had attenuated oxidative stress responses compared to HL-FFRE.
Article
Cell Biology
Grith Hojfeldt, Trent Sorenson, Alana Gonzales, Michael Kjaer, Jesper L. Andersen, Abigail L. Mackey
Summary: This study aimed to systematically investigate myofibre branching and fibre type in human skeletal muscle undergoing adult regenerative myogenesis. The findings suggest that myofibre branching is more likely to be fusion of myotubes, explained by incomplete regeneration after necrosis-inducing event.
Review
Rheumatology
Lindsay A. N. Crowe, Moeed Akbar, Robert-Jan de Vos, Paul Kirwan, Michael Kjaer, Carles Pedret, Iain B. McInnes, Stefan Siebert, Neal L. Millar
Summary: Tendinopathy and enthesitis have clinical, anatomical, and molecular similarities, but their complex relationship poses challenges in diagnosis and treatment. The biomechanics and immune/stromal contributions to pathology play crucial roles in both conditions. However, divergent methodologies in studying these two conditions may lead to discrepancies in perception and treatment. This review summarizes the clinical parallels and addresses the factors that hinder the development of more effective therapeutics, as well as the molecular similarities and disparities that govern pathological mechanisms in tendinopathy and enthesitis.
LANCET RHEUMATOLOGY
(2023)
