Anatomy

Tendinopathy

Tendon

Biology

Gene

Gene silencing

RNA interference

Regulation of gene expression

Small interfering RNA

Cell biology

Genetics

British Medical Bulletin

Tenogenesis and tendon homeostasis are guided by genes encoding for the structural molecules of tendon fibres. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), acting on gene regulation, can therefore participate in the process of tendon healing.A systematic search of different databases to October 2020 identified 17 suitable studies.SiRNAs can be useful to study reparative processes of tendons and identify possible therapeutic targets in tendon healing.Many genes and growth factors involved in the processes of tendinopathy and tendon healing can be regulated by siRNAs. It is however unclear which gene silencing determines the expected effect.Gene dysregulation of growth factors and tendon structural proteins can be influenced by siRNA.It is not clear whether there is a direct action of the siRNAs that can be used to facilitate the repair processes of tendons.

Small interfering RNAs in tendon homeostasis