Clinically, growth factors such as the growth/differentiation factors (GDFs) represent a unique potential for the treatment of tendon injuries. To administer these agents effectively in a clinical setting, a complete understanding of their mechanisms of action in tendon maintenance and repair is essential. Our previous work on the GDF-5 deficient brachypodism mouse has demonstrated that GDF-5 deficiency results in altered tendon composition, ultrastructure and mechanical behavior, as well as a delay in Achilles tendon healing. Together with GDF-5, GDF-6 and GDF-7 form a subfamily of related GDF proteins. Recently, knockout mouse models have been developed in which the genes for GDF-6 and GDF-7 have been modified. These two animal models provide further unique experimental systems for examining the role of GDFs in mammals. The goal of this research is to examine the effects of GDF-6 and GDF-7 on tendon maintenance and repair. Understanding the in vivo roles of these proteins will allow this family of growth factors to be considered for therapeutic use in tendon healing. In the first set of experiments, the roles of GDF-6 and GDF-7 in the establishment of normal tendon structure and function will be examined. Mechanical properties of Achilles tendons from male and female 16 week-old GDF-6 or GDF-7 deficient mice will be obtained from tensile mechanical tests and compared to wild-type control littermates. To explain differences in mechanical properties, histological, ultrastructural, compositional, and molecular characterization will be performed using standard techniques of molecular biology, biochemistry, and light and transmission electron microscopy. In the second set of experiments, the roles of GDF-6 and GDF-7 in tendon repair will be examined. Mid-substance tenotomies of the Achilles tendon will be performed in 16-week-old mice. The histologic, compositional, and molecular response will be characterized after 3, 5, 7, 9, 14, 28, 42, and 84 days. Tendon ultrastructure and mechanical integrity will be examined at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 weeks after tenotomy. The proposed experiments will provide the necessary baseline characterization of tendon properties in GDF-6 and GDF-7 deficient mice, as well as elucidate the short and long-term healing response to Achilles tendon injury. These studies combine to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of action of GDFs in tendon maintenance and repair.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AR049745-02
Application #
6894096
Study Section
Orthopedics and Musculoskeletal Study Section (ORTH)
Program Officer
Tyree, Bernadette
Project Start
2004-06-01
Project End
2009-05-31
Budget Start
2005-06-01
Budget End
2006-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$251,745
Indirect Cost
Name
Smith College
Department
Engineering (All Types)
Type
Schools of Engineering
DUNS #
066989427
City
Northampton
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01063
Mikic, Borjana; Amadei, Elizabeth; Rossmeier, Kerri et al. (2010) Sex matters in the establishment of murine tendon composition and material properties during growth. J Orthop Res 28:631-8
Mikic, Borjana; Rossmeier, Kerri; Bierwert, LouAnn (2009) Sexual dimorphism in the effect of GDF-6 deficiency on murine tendon. J Orthop Res 27:1603-11
Mikic, Borjana; Rossmeier, Kerri; Bierwert, Louann (2009) Identification of a tendon phenotype in GDF6 deficient mice. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 292:396-400
Mikic, Borjana; Entwistle, Rachel; Rossmeier, Kerri et al. (2008) Effect of GDF-7 deficiency on tail tendon phenotype in mice. J Orthop Res 26:834-9
Mikic, Borjana; Bierwert, Louann; Tsou, Danielle (2006) Achilles tendon characterization in GDF-7 deficient mice. J Orthop Res 24:831-41
Maloul, A; Rossmeier, K; Mikic, B et al. (2006) Geometric and material contributions to whole bone structural behavior in GDF-7-deficient mice. Connect Tissue Res 47:157-62