Queen Mary researchers find tendon cells rebound from stiffness in soft environments
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London identified a specific population of tendon cells that can recover function when returned to softer tissue-like surroundings.
Cells react to mechanical environment
Scientists isolated two distinct cell populations within the tendon structure to compare their responses. The interfascicular matrix cells changed their internal structure and gene expression when exposed to stiff substrates. In contrast, the fascicular matrix cells remained largely unchanged under the same conditions.
Recovery observed in soft surroundings
When these sensitive cells were returned to a softer environment, they rebounded from their stiffened state. This finding offers new insight into how tendon tissue responds to changes associated with aging or injury. The study was published in the journal Advanced Science.
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