Advances in the development of gene therapy, noncoding RNA, and exosome‐based treatments for tendinopathy
Angela Wang Ilaltdinov, Yubao Gong, Daniel J. Leong, Konrad I. Gruson, Deyou Zheng, David T. Fung, Li Sun, Hui Sun
Abstract
Tendinopathy is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation and tissue degeneration. Tendons have poor innate healing ability and there is currently no cure for tendinopathy. Studies elucidating mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of tendinopathy and mechanisms mediating the genesis of tendons during development have provided novel targets and strategies to enhance tendon healing and repair. This review summarizes the current understanding and treatments for tendinopathy. The review also highlights recent advances in gene therapy, the potential of noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs, and exosomes, which are nanometer-sized extracellular vesicles secreted from cells, for the treatment of tendinopathy.