Maturation State and Matrix Microstructure Regulate Interstitial Cell Migration in Dense Connective Tissues.

ABSTRACT: Few regenerative approaches exist for the treatment of injuries to adult dense connective tissues. Compared to fetal tissues, adult connective tissues are hypocellular and show limited healing after injury. We hypothesized that robust repair can occur in fetal tissues with an immature extracellular matrix (ECM) that is conducive to cell migration, and that this process fails in adults due to the biophysical barriers imposed by the mature ECM. Using the knee meniscus as a platform, we evaluated the evolving micromechanics and microstructure of fetal and adult tissues, and interrogated the interstitial migratory capacity of adult meniscal cells through fetal and adult tissue microenvironments with or without partial enzymatic digestion. To integrate our findings, a computational model was im

SUBMITTER: Qu F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5818574 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature