Inhibition of ERK 1/2 kinases prevents tendon matrix breakdown


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Date

2021-03-25

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

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Abstract

Tendon extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanical unloading results in tissue degradation and breakdown, with niche-dependent cellular stress directing proteolytic degradation of tendon. Here, we show that the extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is central in tendon degradation of load-deprived tissue explants. We show that ERK 1/2 are highly phosphorylated in mechanically unloaded tendon fascicles in a vascular niche-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK 1/2 abolishes the induction of ECM catabolic gene expression (MMPs) and fully prevents loss of mechanical properties. Moreover, ERK 1/2 inhibition in unloaded tendon fascicles suppresses features of pathological tissue remodeling such as collagen type 3 matrix switch and the induction of the pro-fibrotic cytokine interleukin 11. This work demonstrates ERK signaling as a central checkpoint to trigger tendon matrix degradation and remodeling using load-deprived tissue explants.

Publication status

published

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Volume

11 (1)

Pages / Article No.

6838

Publisher

Springer

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Edition / version

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Subject

Biochemistry; Cell biology; Cell signalling; Kinases; Proteases; Proteolysis

Organisational unit

03822 - Snedeker, Jess G. / Snedeker, Jess G. check_circle

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