Cell Signaling in Tenocytes: Response to Load and Ligands in Health and Disease

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016:920:79-95. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-33943-6_7.

Abstract

Signaling in tenocytes during development, homeostasis and injury involves multiple and redundant pathways. Given that tendons transmit mechanical forces from muscle to bone to effect movement, a key function for tenocytes is the detection of and response to mechanical stimulation. Mechanotransduction involves matrix-integrin-cytoskeleton to nucleus signaling, gap junction intercellular communication, changes in intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)), activation of receptors and their pathways, and responses to biochemical factors such as hormones, growth factors, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its derivatives, and neuromodulators. The primary cilium also plays a key role in the detection of mechanical signals. During development, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and hedgehog (Hh) signaling modulate tendon differentiation and formation. The response to injury is complex and varied involving not only inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1β but also mechanosensing. This chapter reviews the signaling pathways tenocytes use during mechanotransduction, development and in response to injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Communication
  • Cell Physiological Phenomena
  • Disease*
  • Humans
  • Mechanotransduction, Cellular*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Stress, Mechanical*
  • Tendons / cytology
  • Tendons / metabolism*
  • Tenocytes / cytology
  • Tenocytes / metabolism*
  • Wound Healing