Figure 4

Expression of tendon differentiation markers and matrix assembly genes is generally greater in tendon proper-derived progenitors. RT-qPCR analyses demonstrated greater expression of the tendon markers Scx (A) and Tnmd (B) in tendon proper (TP)-derived progenitors within their respective constructs. However, expression of the vascular marker Emcn (C) was greater in peritenon-derived (PERI) progenitors. Expression of Bgn (D) remains fairly constant across cell sources, while expression for Dcn (E) is greater in TP-derived progenitor-seeded tendon constructs. Expression of FACIT collagens Col12a1 (F) and Col14a1 (G) is greater early in culture, particularly for TP-derived progenitors. Gene expression for fibril-forming collagens Col1a1 (H), Col3a1 (I), and Col5a1 (J) is greater in TP-derived progenitors. Expression of Col11a1 (K) is greatest early in TP-derived progenitors. (Biological replicates, n = 5 to 8; Mann–Whitney-Wilcoxon test – P <0.01, *; P <0.05, #; fold changes and statistical significance further reported in Table 2).