Gtf2ird1-Dependent Mohawk Expression Regulates Mechanosensing Properties of the Tendon.

ABSTRACT: Mechanoforces experienced by an organ are translated into biological information for cellular sensing and response. In mammals, the tendon connective tissue experiences and resists physical forces, with tendon-specific mesenchymal cells called tenocytes orchestrating extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. We show that Mohawk (Mkx), a tendon-specific transcription factor, is essential in mechanoresponsive tenogenesis through regulation of its downstream ECM genes such as type I collagens and proteoglycans such as fibromodulin both in vivo and in vitro Wild-type (WT) mice demonstrated an increase in collagen fiber diameter and density in response to physical treadmill exercise, whereas in Mkx(-/-) mice, tendons failed to respond to the same mechanical stimulation. Furthermore, functional scree

SUBMITTER: Kayama T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4836271 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature