The role of mechanotransduction in tendon

Tendons play an important role in the maintenance of motor function by connecting muscles and bones and transmitting forces. Particularly, the role of mechanical stress has primarily focused on the key mechanism of tendon homeostasis, with much research on this topic. With the recent development of molecular biological techniques, the mechanisms of mechanical stress sensing and signal transduction have been gradually elucidated with the identification of mechanosensor in tendon cells and the master regulator in tendon development. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structure and function of tendon tissue, including the role for physical performance and the detailed mechanism of mechanotransduction in its regulation. An important lesson is that the role of mechanotransduction in tendon tissue is only partially clarified, indicating the complexity of the mechanisms of motor function and fueling increasing interest in uncovering these mechanisms. This review summarizes current knowledge of the mechanobiology of tendons. Appropriate mechanical stress can enhance the anabolic effects of tenocytes via the activation of PIEZO1-MKX/SCX cascade, which can alter the mechanical properties of tendon tissue and may also affect physical performance. However, the elucidation of the mechanisms by which structural changes in tendons affect physical performance appears to be still partial. Further clarification of tendon function is anticipated to lead to applications in enhancing physical performance and the extension of healthy life expectancy.