What was the effect of equiaxial mechanical loading on tenogenic gene expression?

Equiaxial mechanical loading is known to influence the expression of genes related to tendon development and maintenance. The correct answer indicates that all provided statements are true regarding the effects of such loading on tenogenic gene expression.

First, the upregulation of the Mohawk gene, particularly in the outer region, suggests that mechanical loading preferentially stimulates the expression of certain genes in specific regions. Mohawk is an important factor in tendon and cartilage development, and its regional expression can reflect the localized response of tendon cells to mechanical stimuli.

Second, the fact that Tenomodulin is upregulated in both regions highlights its vital role in tendon biology and suggests that mechanical loading broadly impacts tendon homeostasis and possibly repair mechanisms across various regions. This gene is involved in the maturation and maintenance of tendon structure, and its increased expression indicates a positive response to mechanical load.

Additionally, while Tenomodulin might show higher expression in the outer region, the acknowledgment of its upregulation in both regions demonstrates the complexity of tendon tissue responses and may underscore variations in mechanical stress distribution within the tissue.

By confirming that each statement has merit under the influence of equiaxial mechanical loading, this answer encapsulates the comprehensive understanding of how such forces can modulate tendon biology at both regional