Abstract
All cells exist within a 3D microenvironment where they are exposed to a multitude of mechanobiological cues, from nano-level cell/matrix interactions, to tissue-level mechanical strain. These cues are fundamental to maintaining tissue homeostasis, but when disrupted during disease, can promote pathological outcomes and impair healing. This is particularly true in tendons; 3D load bearing connective tissue structures composed of a complex arrangement of matrix proteins, organised in a highly aligned manner and maintained by tendon cells (tenocytes). When diseased or injured (termed tendinopathy), the tendon begins a journey of poor healing, characterised by mechanically inferior disorganised scar tissue which ultimately results in compromised or total loss of function. In both health and disease, the mechanobiological stimuli experienced by tenocytes will directly affect their behaviour, yet this is a poorly studied area of research. We have used decellularised tendon slices to mimic the structure of healthy tendon, and induced degradation to mimic tendinopathic tendon. We have re-seeded these slices with tenocytes or immune cells and are building a greater picture of the role that the structure and stiffness of the matrix has on cell behaviour in health and disease.
