Summary of findings after de-tensioning of 3D tendon-constructs and TGF-β1 supplementation.

<p>The 3D tendon-construct under static tension without TGF-β1 is set as baseline, all other conditions are shown relative to the tensioned 3D tendon-construct (n = 5). A) Analysis of genes encoding for different matrix proteins: Collagen type I (COL1A1), collagen type III (COL3A1), collagen type XII (COL12A1) collagen type XIV (COL14A1) and fibronectin. B) Analysis of tendon phenotypic markers and tendon-related genes: tenomodulin (TNMD), scleraxis (SCX), Mohawk homeobox (MKX), fibromodulin (FBMD), decorin and GAPDH. Data presented on a logarithmic y scale as geometric means ± SEM with 3D tendon construct as baseline (n = 5). Significant 2-way ANOVA (tension*TGF-β1) main effects written above the graphs. For FBMD, * indicates significant effect of TGF-β1 for the individual groups in the post hoc analysis.