Role of Metalloproteinases in Tendon Pathophysiology

Title:Role of Metalloproteinases in Tendon Pathophysiology

Volume: 14 Issue: 12

Author(s): Diego Sbardella, Grazia R. Tundo, Giovanni Francesco Fasciglione, Magda Gioia, Salvatore Bisicchia, Elena Gasbarra, Ernesto Ippolito, Umberto Tarantino, Massimo Coletta and Stefano Marini

Affiliation:

Keywords: Review, Matrix metalloproteinases, A Disintegrin-like and Metalloproteinase domain with Thrombospondin-1 motifs, Tendon Pathophysiology, Repairing Process, Therapeutical Approach.

Abstract: Tendons play a crucial role in musculoskeletal functioning because they physically connect bones and muscles making the movement of articular joints possible. The molecular composition of tendons mostly include collagen I fibrils, which aggregate together to form fibers to form a fascicle. A complex network composed of resident cells (i.e., tenocytes) and extracellular matrix macromolecules (glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, glycoproteins and other non collagenous proteins) interact and define the structure of tendons and their properties. Development, renewal and remodeling of tendons composition occur at all ages of living organisms so the homeostasis of proteolytic systems is a critical issue. A major role is played by Metalloproteinases, a family of Zn²⁺-dependent endopeptidases involved in the catabolism of several components of the extracellular matrix, such as collagens, proteoglycans, fibronectin and many others. Among these, two main classes are mostly involved in tendon pathophysiology, namely the Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a Disintegrin-like and Metalloproteinase domain with Thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTSs). This study analyses the various aspects of the roles played by Metalloproteinases in the physiological and pathological processes of tendons.

Cite this article as:

Sbardella Diego, Tundo R. Grazia, Fasciglione Francesco Giovanni, Gioia Magda, Bisicchia Salvatore, Gasbarra Elena, Ippolito Ernesto, Tarantino Umberto, Coletta Massimo and Marini Stefano, Role of Metalloproteinases in Tendon Pathophysiology, Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2014; 14 (12) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389557514666141106132411