Scientists Identify Stem Cells in Tendons

U.S. scientists have discovered stem cells in adult tendons can regenerate tissue — a finding that promises new treatments for tendon injury and disease.

A consortium of scientists that included University of Southern California School of Dentistry researcher Songtao Shi identified unique cells within the adult tendon that have stem-cell characteristics — including the ability to proliferate and self-renew.

The researchers were able to isolate the cells and regenerate tendon-like tissue in an animal model.

Clinically, tendon injury is a difficult one to treat, not only for athletes, but for patients who suffer from tendinopathy such as tendon rupture or ectopic ossification, Shi said. This research demonstrates that we can use stem cells to repair tendons. We now know how to collect them from tissue and how to control their formation into tendon cells.

The study, led by Yanming Bi of the National Institutes of Health, is to appear in the October issue of the journal Nature Medicine and is currently available online at the journal’s Web site.