Anatomical heterogeneity of tendon: Fascicular and interfascicular tendon compartments have distinct proteomic composition.

ABSTRACT: Tendon is a simple aligned fibre composite, consisting of collagen-rich fascicles surrounded by a softer interfascicular matrix (IFM). The composition and interactions between these material phases are fundamental in ensuring tissue mechanics meet functional requirements. However the IFM is poorly defined, therefore tendon structure-function relationships are incompletely understood. We hypothesised that the IFM has a more complex proteome, with faster turnover than the fascicular matrix (FM). Using laser-capture microdissection and mass spectrometry, we demonstrate that the IFM contains more proteins, and that many proteins show differential abundance between matrix phases. The IFM contained more protein fragments (neopeptides), indicating greater matrix degradation in this compartment, w

SUBMITTER: Thorpe CT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4740843 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature