Mechanism research progress of tendon-derived stem cells in reconstruction of fibrocartilage zone at bone-tendon junction

Abstract

To summarize the mechanism research progress of tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) in the reconstruction of fibrocartilage zone at bone-tendon junction (BTJ). The domestic and abroad related literature about TDSCs in the reconstruction of fibrocartilage zone at BTJ was summarized and analyzed. TDSCs can be induced to osteocytes, fibrochondrocytes, and tenocytes in vitro. Therefore, TDSCs have potential to reconstruct fibrocartilage zone at BTJ. Factors, such as mechanical stimulation, bioactive factor, extracelluar matrix, inflammatory factors, and so on, may influence osteogenic or chondrogenic differentiation of TDSCs. Because of the specificity of origin and location of TDSCs, TDSCs have the potential to be the seed cells for BTJ fibrocartilage zone repair. By applying external stimuli, TDSCs can be induced to form structures which are similar to fibrocartilage zone.