WO2016201162A1 - Intervention for tendinopathy - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods for treating tendinopathy and tendonitis and for preventing tendinopathy are disclosed.

Description

INTERVENTION FOR TENDINOPATHY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/174,005, filed June 11, 2015, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

[0002] This invention was made with government support under grant numbers AG039561 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Throughout this application various publications are referred to in brackets. Full citations for these references may be found at the end of the specification. The disclosures of these publications, and of all patents, patent application publications and books referred to herein, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into the subject application to more fully describe the art to which the subject invention pertains.

[0004] The most common treatment for tendon ruptures is surgery. For tendinopathies, clinical treatments are less well-established. Possible treatments include icing, massage therapy, eccentric exercise, NSAIDs, ultrasound therapy, LIPUS, electrotherapy, taping, sclerosing injections, blood injection, glyceryl trinitrate patches, and extracorporeal Shockwave therapy (ESWT). If not treated, tendinopathies can result in tendon rupture.

[0005] Herein is disclosed a method for using cells expressing CITED2 to treat tendinopathies and tendonitis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A method is provided of treating a soft tissue degradation pathology in a subject comprising administering to the subject an amount of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) transfected to express CREB-binding protein/p300- interacting protein 2 (CITED2) to the subject effective to treat a soft tissue degradation pathology in a subject. [0007] Also provided is a method of treating a tendinopathy in a subject comprising administering to the subject an amount of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) transfected to express CREB-binding protein/p300- interacting protein 2 (CITED2) to the subject effective to treat a tendinopathy in a subject.

[0008] Also provided is a method of determining the likelihood a tendon will suffer an injury or rupture due to aging comprising obtaining a sample of a tendon and quantifying the level of CREB-binding protein/p300-interacting protein 2 (CITED2) in the sample, and comparing the level to a predetermined control level for the sample size, and determining the likelihood the tendon will suffer an injury or rupture due to aging, wherein a level of CITED 2 quantitated in excess of the predetermined control level indicates that the tendon is not likely to suffer an injury or rupture due to aging and a level of CITED2 quantitated below the predetermined control level indicates that the tendon is likely to suffer an injury or rupture due to aging.

[0009] A method of determining the level of CREB-binding protein/p300-interacting protein 2 (CITED2) in a tendon comprising

obtaining a sample of a tendon and

quantifying the level of CREB-binding protein/p300-interacting protein 2 (CITED2) in the sample, and comparing the level to a predetermined control level for the sample size, and determining whether the level of CITED 2 quantitated is in excess of the predetermined control level or whether the level of CITED 2 quantitated is below the predetermined control level.

[0010] A method is provided for (i) improving integration between repaired and native tissue in a tendon, (ii) improving matrix organization in a tendon, (iii) promoting teno- differentiation phenotype in a tendon, (iv) reducing age-related senescence markers of aged implanted cells and cells from adjoining host tissue in a tendon, (v) elevating TGF-β and CTGF in a repaired tendon tissue, or (vi) treating a rupture in a tendon,

wherein the tendon is in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an amount of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) transfected to express CREB-binding protein/p300-interacting protein 2 (CITED2) to the subject effective to (i) improve integration between repaired and native tissue in a tendon, (ii) improve matrix organization in a tendon, (iii) promote teno-differentiation phenotype in a tendon, (iv) reduce age-related senescence markers of aged implanted cells and cells from adjoining host tissue in a tendon, (v) elevate TGF-β and CTGF in a repaired tendon tissue, or (vi) treat a rupture, respectively, in a tendon in a subject.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1: Experimental design to evaluate therapeutic potential of CITED2 reprogramming of aged TSPCs.

[0012] Figure 2: Localization of human TSPCs in implanted wound site detected by imaging of fluorescently labelled TPSCs at 2 weeks following implantation, or by fluorescent detection of human chromosomes at 6 weeks after implantation.

[0013] Figure 3: Collagen fibril organization. Young TSPCs and TSPCs+CITED2 exhibited a more aligned collagen structure compared to tendons with no TSPCs and TSPCs transfected with a vector only.

[0014] Figure 4: Cell aspect ratio (width/length of cell, top) and cell angle orientation (difference in alignment between cell and tissue, bottom). Aged TSPCs+CITED2 and Young TSPCs showed a more elongated cell structure and better cellular alignment compared to the other groups. *p<0.05 vs No TSPCs group. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test. n=3/group.

[0015] Figure 5: H&E staining of interface between repaired tissue and host tissue. A more seamless integration was observed between the repaired tissue and native tissue in tendons implanted with Aged TSPCs+CITED2 and Young TSPCs. n=3/group.

[0016] Figure 6: Immunohistochemistry of tenocyte markers Scleraxis (Sex) and

Tenomodulin (Tnmd). Injury implanted with Aged TSPCs+CITED2 or young TPSCs exhibited higher levels of Sex and Tnmd compared to the other groups. *p<0.05 vs No

TSPC group. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test. n=3/group.

[0017] Figure 7: Immunohistochemistry of senescence marker Fucosidase Al (FucAl) in repaired tissue. Injury implanted with Aged TSPCs+CITED2 or Young TSPCs exhibited lower levels of FucAl in the repaired tissue. *p<0.05 vs no TPSC group. One-way

ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test. n=3/group.

[0018] Figure 8: Immunohistochemistry of senescence marker Fucosidase Al in host tissue. Injury implanted with Aged TSPCs+CITED2 or Young TSPCs exhibited lower levels of FucAl in the host rat tissue. *p<0.05 vs no TPSC group. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test. n=3/group. [0019] Figure 9A-9C: (9A) Maximum load (newtons, N) and (9B) maximum stress (megapascals, MPa) of full thickness lacerated rat Achilles tendons implanted with young or aged human TSPCs with or without CITED2 reprogramming, or implanted with no TPSCs. *p<0.05 vs No TSPCs group. One-way ANOVA with Holm-Sidak's post-hoc test. n=5/group. (9C) Max load of full thickness lacerated rat Achilles tendons implanted with young or aged human TSPCs with or without CITED2 reprogramming, or implanted with no TPSCs. *p<0.05, vs indicated comparison. One-way ANOVA with Holm-Sidak's post- hoc test.

[0020] Figure 10: mRNA expression of human and rat TGF-β and CTGF in the rat host tissue and in the repaired tissue derived from implanted human TPSCs. *p<0.05 vs indicated comparison. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test. n=3/group.

[0021] Figure 11 A- HE: Association between CITED2 expression (11A), Clonogenicity (11B), Nuclear aspect ratio (11C), Core area (11D), and percentage of senescent cells (HE) in TSPCs with increasing age in human.

[0022] Figure 12: CITED2 knockdown reduces colony forming ability of TSPCs.

[0023] Figure 13: CITED2 knockdown reduced proliferation rate and increased cell cycle arrest of TSPCs.

[0024] Figure 14: CITED2 knockdown altered cell cycle related gene expression in TSPCs.

[0025] Figure 15: CITED2 knockdown impaired tendon healing, following a window transection wound in patellar tendons in mice.

[0026] Figure 16A-C: (A) H&E, IHC for cleaved collagen (CollCl, C2 [see arrowheads]), and Safranin O staining (red color) for GAGs. Scale bar=10C^m. (B) IHC for Collal and Col3al (staining of extracellular matrix). (C) Gene expression analysis of Cited2, pro-inflammatory cytokines/mediators, neurovascularization-related factors, and genes involved in matrix synthesis and degradation. *=p<0.05 vs Sham (dotted line) or indicated comparison.

[0027] Figure 17A-B: (A) von Frey pain assessment and (B) and gene expression of pro-inflammatory and pain mediators in DRG * p<0.05 vs sham (dotted line in [B]) or indicated comparison.

[0028] Figure 18A-B: (A) Max load and (B) maximum stress. * p<0.05 vs sham or indicated comparison. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Tendinopathy is a tendon disease associated with tendon aging and featured for inflammation and chronic injury. As evidenced herein (e.g. Figures 3-11), it is shown that increasing CITED2 levels (e.g. via gene transfer, cell-based therapy, chemical or physical induction) have a use as a tendinopathy treatment.

[0030] A method is provided of treating a soft tissue degradation pathology in a subject comprising administering to the subject an amount of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) transfected to express CREB-binding protein/p300- interacting protein 2 (CITED2) to the subject effective to treat a soft tissue degradation pathology in a subject. In an embodiment, the soft tissue is cartilage. In an embodiment, the soft tissue is a ligament. In an embodiment, the soft tissue is a tendon.

[0031] Also provided is a method of treating a tendinopathy in a subject comprising administering to the subject an amount of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) transfected to express CREB-binding protein/p300- interacting protein 2 (CITED2) to the subject effective to treat a tendinopathy in a subject.

[0032] In an embodiment of the methods described herein, the MSCs or TSPCs have been obtained from a human prior to their transfection to express CITED2. In an embodiment, the TSPCs are administered. In an embodiment, the MSCs are administered.

[0033] In an embodiment of the methods described herein, the MSCs or TSPCs have been obtained from a human biceps brachii tendon. Any other tendon in the human body is also an acceptable source of the cells.

[0034] The tendinopathy may be of an Achilles tendon, of a knee tendon or of an arm tendon.

[0035] In an embodiment of the methods described herein, the tendinopathy does not comprise a ruptured tendon. In an embodiment, the subject does not have a ruptured tendon.

[0036] In an embodiment of the methods described herein, the amount of the MSCs or TSPCs is administered directly to the tendon. In an embodiment of the methods described herein, the amount of the MSCs or TSPCs is implanted into, or directly adjacent to, the tendon.

[0037] In an embodiment of the methods described herein, the MSCs or TSPCs are obtained from an adult human prior to their transfection to express CITED2. [0038] In an embodiment of the methods described herein, the tendinopathy comprises a tendinosis. In an embodiment of the methods described herein, the tendinopathy comprises a tendonitis.

[0039] In an embodiment of the methods described herein, the subject is a human.

[0040] Also provided is a method of determining the likelihood a tendon will suffer an injury or rupture due to aging comprising obtaining a sample of a tendon and quantifying the level of CREB-binding protein/p300-interacting protein 2 (CITED2) in the sample, and comparing the level to a predetermined control level for the sample size, and determining the likelihood the tendon will suffer an injury or rupture due to aging, wherein a level of CITED 2 quantitated in excess of the predetermined control level indicates that the tendon is not likely to suffer an injury or rupture due to aging and a level of CITED 2 quantitated in below the predetermined control level indicates that the tendon is likely to suffer an injury or rupture due to aging.

[0041] A method of determining the level of CREB-binding protein/p300-interacting protein 2 (CITED2) in a tendon comprising

obtaining a sample of a tendon and

quantifying the level of CREB-binding protein/p300-interacting protein 2 (CITED2) in the sample, and comparing the level to a predetermined control level for the sample size, and determining whether the level of CITED 2 quantitated is in excess of the predetermined control level or whether the level of CITED 2 quantitated is below the predetermined control level.

[0042] In the methods, the level of CITED2 in the sample can be quantified by determining by quantifying the amount of a polypeptide agent comprising an anti-CITED2 binding site that binds to the sample when contacted therewith. In an embodiment, the polypeptide agent comprising an anti-CITED2 binding site is an antibody or comprises an antigen-binding site of an antibody. In an embodiment, the agent comprising an anti- CITED2 binding site is labelled with a detectable marker molecule. Such markers are well known in the art, and include moieties such as radionuclides, fluorescent dyes, chemiluminescent agents, microparticles, nanoparticles, enzymes, colorimetric labels, magnetic labels, haptens, molecular beacons and aptamer beacons. Such detectable agents can also comprise antibodies or antibody fragments.

[0043] A method is provided for (i) improving integration between repaired and native tissue in a tendon, (ii) improving matrix organization in a tendon, (iii) promoting teno- differentiation phenotype in a tendon, (iv) reducing age-related senescence markers of aged implanted cells and cells from adjoining host tissue in a tendon, (v) elevating TGF-β and CTGF in a repaired tendon tissue, or (vi) treating a rupture in a tendon,

wherein the tendon is in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an amount of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) transfected to express CREB-binding protein/p300-interacting protein 2 (CITED2) to the subject effective to (i) improve integration between repaired and native tissue in a tendon, (ii) improve matrix organization in a tendon, (iii) promote teno-differentiation phenotype in a tendon, (iv) reduce age-related senescence markers of aged implanted cells and cells from adjoining host tissue in a tendon, (v) elevate TGF-β and CTGF in a repaired tendon tissue, or (vi) treat a rupture, respectively, in a tendon in a subject. Each of (i) to (v) are separable, individual embodiments of the method.

[0044] In an embodiment, the CITED2 is human CITED2. In an embodiment, and as used in the examples herein, the CITED2 contains is encoded by a cDNA of 1797 nucleotides (NM_001168388.2) In an embodiment, the CITED2 comprsies the following sequence:

1 MADHMMAMNH GRFPDGTNGL HHHPAHRMGM GQFPSPHHHQ QQQPQHAFNA LMGEHIHYGA 61 GNMNATSGIR HAMGPGTVNG GHPPSALAPA ARFN SQFMG PPVASQGGSL PASMQLQKLN 121 NQYFNHHPYP HNHYMPDLHP AAGHQMNGTN QHFRDCNPKH SGGSSTPGGS GGSSTPGGSG 181 SSSGGGAGSS NSGGGSGSGN MPASVAHVPA AMLPPNVIDT DFIDEEVLMS LVIEMGLDPJ 241 KELPELWLGQ NEFDFMTDFV CKQQPSRVSC (SEQ ID NO:l) (NP_001161860.1).

[0045] In an embodiment, the CITED2 comprsies the following sequence:

1 MSGLEMADHM MAMNHGRFPD GTNGLHHHPA HRMGMGQFPS PHHHQQQQPQ HAFNALMGEH 61 IHYGAGNMNA TSGIRHAMGP GTV GGHPPS ALAPAARFN SQFMGPPVAS QGGSLPASMQ 121 LQKLN QYFN HHPYPHNHYM PDLHPAAGHQ MNGTNQHFRD CNPKHSGGSS TPGGSGGSST 181 PGGSGSSSGG GAGSSNSGGG SGSGNMPASV AHVPAAMLPP NVIDTDFIDE EVLMSLVIEM 241 GLDRIKELPE LWLGQNEFDF MTDFVCKQQP SRVSC (SEQ ID NO:2) (NP_001161860.2)

[0046] Two methods (adenovirus transduction and plasmid transfection) were used for increasing CITED2 expression in TSPCs. Initial work herein mainly used the adenovirus for infection, which yielded high levels of CITED2 (8-10-fold increase). The results were confirmed with plasmid transfection, which gave a slightly lower overexpression level (2-4- fold increase with similar result), and better fit the purpose of restoring the CITED2 levels in adult tissues to young/physiological levels. For the plasmid transfection, TSPCs were transfected with CITED2 cDNA with a GFP tag (CMV-CITED2-GFP) using Lipofectamine 2000 following manufacturer's instructions. For the adenovirus infection, the recombinant adenovirus containing the CITED2 coding region was produced by the AdEasy system according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0047] Tendon rupture is a tear of the tendon that requires surgical intervention in an attempt to restore tissue function. This is a significant clinical issue since tendon is a tissue difficult to heal. In most cases, after a long healing period, only results in formation of scar tissue, with reduced function and pain, and revision surgeries are often required. The intervention disclosed herein can provide the stem cell source which is needed for such an acute injury condition. Furthermore, CITED2-reprogrammed implanted stem cells will have enhanced repair ability to shorten the healing time and lead to genuine tendon repair, rather than generation of scar tissue. The techniquedisclosed herein tcan treat tendon rupture.

[0048] On the other hand, tendinopathy does not exhibit overt tissue damage induced by an acute event as seen in tendon rupture. Tendinopathy is defined as chronic tendon degeneration, in most cases due to tendon overload, leading to microscopic collagen fiber failure and a failed healing response. Accumluating evidence suggests the pathology behind tendinopathy is the dysfunction of tendon stem cells. The method disclosed herein can modulate dysfunction of tendinopathy-related cell disorders through CITED2 reprogramming. Such modulation includes correcting impaired stem cell function due to aging and altered response to stresses such as overloading and inflammation. The intervention will increase the reparative source with healthy reprogrammed stem cells. Furthermore, the implanted cells are able to improve the tendinopathy condition by reducing inflammatory and stressed microenvironment, enhancing extracellular matrix synthesis. Furthermore, evidence also shows the reprogrammed stem cells can restore function of the dysfunctional resident (host) stem cells and other cells through a paracrine mechanism. Thus, the methods disclosed herein provide a new tendinopathy treatment.

[0049] As used herein, "treating" a tendinopathy means that one or more symptoms of the disease, such as the tendinopathy itself, tendon strength, inflammation thereof, or other parameters by which the disease is characterized, are reduced, ameliorated, inhibited, placed in a state of remission, or maintained in a state of remission. Tendinopathies may be broadly categorized into those which are a tendonitis and those which are tendonosis.

[0050] This invention will be better understood from the examples follow. However, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the specific methods and results discussed are merely illustrative of the invention as described more fully in the claims that follow thereafter.

Example 1

[0051] CITED2-reprogramming of aged stem cells for enhanced tendon rupture repair: It was investigated whether reprogramming of aged TSPCs would rejuvenate them and enhance their reparative ability. Wound healing was evaluated and the age-related and functional status of reparative and adjacent host tissue characterized of a full thickness rat Achilles wound created by laceration implanted with aged human TSPCs with or without CITED2 transfection in nude rats (Fig. 1).

[0052] CITED2 reprogrammed aged human TSPCs localized to the wound site and integrated with the repaired tendon after implantation (Fig. 2). The tendons implanted with CITED2 reprogrammed aged human TSPCs: exhibited improved collagen fibril organization (Fig. 3), improved cell/matrix organization (Fig. 4), improved integration between the native and repaired tissue (Fig. 5), upregulated expression of tenocyte markers (Fig. 6), and reduced expression of senescent markers in the repaired tissue (Fig. 7). Notably, senescence levels were also reduced in the host tissue in tendons implanted with CITED2 reprogrammed human TSPCs and young TSPCs (Fig. 8). Furthermore, tendons implanted with TSPCs overexpressing CITED2 exhibited stronger mechanical properties (Fig. 9). Specifically, all the treated groups showed a higher maximum load (Fig. 9A) and maximum stress (Fig. 9B) compared to the no TSPCs implanted group. Furthermore, CITED2 reprogrammed TSPCs had a higher maximum load compared to the non-CITED2 reprogrammed TSPCs for both old and young cells (Fig. 9C), suggesting that CITED2 reprogramming enhances tendon healing by improving tendon mechanical properties. CITED2 rejuvenates aged TSPC and aged tendon tissue through not only direct (i.e. physical microenvironment support) but also indirect (autocrine/paracrine) mechanisms as evidenced by elevation of TGF-β and CTGF in both human- and rat-derived components in the repaired tissue (Fig. 10).

[0053] These data show CITED2 reprogramming enhances TSPC reparative ability and promotes rejuvenation of aged human TSPCs and adjacent rat tissue. Based on the mechanical property testing, such as maximum load, CITED2 reprogramming increased the reparability of both old and young TSPCs, leading to a better wound healing outcome with stronger mechanical properties. Effects of CITED2 reprogramming are mediated, at least in part, through paracrine mechanisms.

[0054] In conclusion, CITED2-reprogramed TSPCs are a solution for tendon injury repair and tendon aging. CITED2 reprogrammed human TSPCs:

- Improved integration between repaired and native tissue

- Improved matrix organization

- Promoted teno-differentiation phenotype

- Reduced age-related senescence marker of aged implanted cells and cells from adjoining host tissue

- Elevated TGF-β and CTGF in both human and rat-derived repaired tissue.

Example 2

[0055] CITED2 as a tendon aging marker for status and susceptibility for tendinopathy and rupture: It was determined whether the level of CITED2 expression in TSPCs can be used as a tendon-aging marker. The relationship between level of CITED2 expression in TSPC and tendon aging in human tendons was established and then it was determined whether reduction of Cited2 leads to an aging phenotype in Cited2 haploinsufficient (Cited2+/-) mice.

[0056] Levels of CITED2 expression in TSPCs at both the mRNA and protein levels is reversely associated with tendon aging in human (Fig. 11 A). Furthermore, the number of cells/colony (Fig. 11B), nuclear aspect ratio (Fig. 11C), cell area (Fig. 11D), and percentage of senescent cells (Fig. HE) of TSPC in vitro culture are also reversely associated with tendon aging.

[0057] Cited2 haploinsufficient (Cited2+/-) mice exhibit aging phenotype, characterized by: a reduction in colony forming ability (Fig. 12), reduced proliferation rate and increased cell cycle arrest (Fig. 13), altered cell cycle related gene expression (Fig. 14), and impaired tendon healing (Fig. 15).

[0058] These data indicate CITED2 expression in TSPCs is reversely associated with tendon aging. Reductions of CITED2 leads to an aging phenotype including impaired wound healing, supporting that declining levels of CITED2 expression is a function of aging. Because aging is a risk factor for the onset of tendon wound injuries, CITED2 as a tendon aging marker may also be used as an indicator for the susceptibility for injury such as rupture and tendinopathy. In conclusion, CITED2 expression is associated with tendon aging that may be used as an indicator for tendon injury status and tendon injury susceptibility.

Methods

[0059] Tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) are identified and isolated as previously described (Zhou et al. Aging Cell, Oct;9(5):911-5, 2010). Briefly, the fresh tendon tissue sample is cut into small pieces (1 mm ^χ 1 mm ^χ 1 mm or smaller). The tissues were digested with collagenase/dispase (Roche) in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C for 2 hrs. The suspensions were centrifuged at 1,500 g for 15 min, and the supernatant was discarded. The remaining cell pellet was re-suspended in growth medium consisting of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). A single-cell suspension was obtained by diluting the suspension and then cultured in 6-well plates at 37°C with 5% CO2. The culture medium is replaced with fresh medium every 2 days. After 8-10 days in culture, cell colonies are formed on the culture surface of the plate. The cells that exhibit a cobblestone shape are the TSPCs, and are designated as passage 0 (P0). The TSPCs may exhibit morphological characteristics and express stem cell markers such as octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4), Stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4), and nucleostemin, as assayed by reverse transcription real-time PCR at the mRNA level and immunocytochemistry staining or Western blot at the protein level. TSPCs showed the typical mesenchymal phenotype, with high expression of CD73, CD90 and CD 105 and no expression of CD34 and CD45 by flow cytometry. TSPCs may exhibit morphological characteristics and express stem cell markers in culture for at least 10 passages (plO). P2 and P3 were used for the treatment in this application.

[0060] Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), such as bone marrow derived MSCs are identified and isolated following the standard methods (Soleimani and Nadri. Nature Protocols 2009;4(1): 102-6.). Briefly, bone marrow is flushed out the bone with cut ends with DMEM + 10% FBS. The cell suspension is filtered through a 70 mm mesh. MSCs are cultured in 100mm dishes in 1ml at a density of 25 x 10⁶ cells/ml, and incubated at 37°C with 5% CO2 in a humidified chamber. After 3 hours, nonadherent cells are removed and the medium is replaced with fresh DMEM + 10% FBS. Culture medium is replaced every 8 hours, for up to 72 hours of culture, and then replaced every 3 days thereafter. Adherent cells are designated as MSCs, at passage 0, and will exhibit a spindle-shaped morphology. Based on flow cytometry, MSCs will express Stro-1, CD271, SSEA-4, CD146, CD105, CD73, and CD90, and negative for CD45, CD34, CD14, CDl lb, CD79a [Kohler et al. Aging Cell, 12(6):988-999].

Example 3

[0061] CITED2 reprogrammed stem cells slow disease progression and relieve pain in tendinopathy: Using a well-established Achilles tendinopathy model [5], the action of CITED2-modulated TSPCs was examined on improved pathogenesis and symptoms of tendinopathy, and tendon mechanical properties and function.

[0062] Methods: Human TSPCs (hTSPCs) were isolated from biceps brachii tendons of patients (62-68yrs) undergoing total shoulder replacement (n=6) and used at passage 3 or below. TSPCs (5X10⁵) were transfected with either plasmid containing CITED2 cDNA or a vector control and injected into the site of tendinopathy in the Achilles, 3 days after collagenase-induced tendinopathy (Sprague Dawley rats, 5-6 months, male), according to IACUC protocol. Four weeks after tendinopathy induction, von Frey testing examined mechanical allodynia to assess pain [6]. At sacrifice, samples were harvested for histology (H&E) and immunohistochemistry (n=3/group), mechanical testing (n=6/group), and RT- qPCR analysis (n=6/group) for genes of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators related to matrix degradation and neurovascularization in tendinopathy. An ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test was utilized to determine statistical significance.

[0063] Results: Tendon tissue injected with TSPCs exhibited disease and symptom improvement compared with the vehicle control, while treatment with TSPCs overexpressed with CITED2 exhibited improved histology, immunohistochemistry and mechanical properties, similar to sham controls, with reduced pain/functional behavior. Specifically, the disease site of the TSPC+CITED2 group had: 1) improved morphology with reduced cellularity, better alignment of cell and matrix fibers, reduced collagen cleavage (Coll CI, C2), reduced GAG content (Fig. 16A), increased Collal and reduced Col3al staining (Fig. 16B), and a significant reduction in gene expression for genes such as Tnfa, Mmp9 and 13 (pro-inflammatory cytokines/mediators), Hifla, Vegf (vascularization) and Ngf, Bdnf, mglur2, and mglur7 (nerve ingrowth); 2) pain relief, as indicated by reduced sensitivity to mechanical insult (mechanical allodynia), and reduced expression of neuropathic-related transmitters in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), which contains bodies of sensory neurons innervating the Achilles tendon; (Fig. 17; 18) improved Achilles tendon mechanical properties as indicated by a higher maximum load (Fig. 18 A) and maximum stress (Fig. 18B).

[0064] Thus it was demonstrated that CITED2-modulated stem cell treatment significantly improves not only tendinopathy pathology, but also the mechanical properties of the tendon, and relieved pain symptoms in a rat Achilles tendinopathy model. CITED2 modulates a panel of genes that are highly relevant to tendinopathy progression and symptom development, supporting its therapeutic effect for tendinopathy.

[0065] References

1. Magnusson et al. Nature Rev Rheum, 2010.

2. Cook and Purdam. Br J Sports Med. 2013.

3. Zhou et al. Aging Cell, 2010.

4. Saad et al. ORS 2013.

5. Chen et al. Cell Physiol Biochem, 2014.

6. Leong et al. Arthritis Res Ther, 2014.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of treating a soft tissue degradation pathology in a subject comprising administering to the subject an amount of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) transfected to express CREB-binding protein/p300- interacting protein 2 (CITED2) effective to treat a soft tissue degradation pathology in a subject.

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein the soft tissue is cartilage, a ligament or a tendon.

3. A method of treating a tendinopathy in a subject comprising administering to the subject an amount of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) transfected to express CREB-binding protein/p300-interacting protein 2 (CITED2) effective to treat a tendinopathy in a subject.

4. The method of any of Claims 1-3, wherein the MSCs or TSPCs have been obtained from a human prior to their transfection to express CITED2.

5. The method of any of Claims 1-4, wherein the MSCs or TSPCs have been obtained from a human biceps brachii tendon.

6. The method of any of Claims 3-5, wherein the tendinopathy is of an Achilles tendon, a knee tendon or an arm tendon.

7. The method of any of Claims 3-6, wherein the tendinopathy does not comprise a ruptured tendon.

8. The method of any of Claims 3-7, wherein the amount of the MSCs or TSPCs is administered directly to the tendon.

9. The method of any of Claims 3-8, wherein the amount of the MSCs or TSPCs is implanted into, or directly adjacent to, the tendon.

10. The method of any of Claims 3-9, wherein the MSCs or TSPCs are obtained from an adult human prior to their transfection to express CITED2.

11. The method of any of Claims 3-10, wherein the tendinopathy comprises a tendinosis.

12. The method of any of Claims 3-10, wherein the tendinopathy comprises a tendonitis.

13. The method of any of Claims 1-12, wherein the subject is a human.

14. The method of any of Claims 1-13, wherein the MSCs are administered.

15. The method of any of Claims 1-13, wherein the TSPCs are administered.

16. A method of determining the likelihood a tendon will suffer an injury or rupture due to aging comprising obtaining a sample of a tendon and quantifying the level of CREB- binding protein/p300-interacting protein 2 (CITED2) in the sample, and comparing the level to a predetermined control level for the sample size, and determining the likelihood the tendon will suffer an injury or rupture due to aging, wherein a level of CITED 2 quantitated in excess of the predetermined control level indicates that the tendon is not likely to suffer an injury or rupture due to aging and a level of CITED 2 quantitated below the predetermined control level indicates that the tendon is likely to suffer an injury or rupture due to aging.

17. A method of determining the level of CREB-binding protein/p300-interacting protein 2 (CITED2) in a tendon comprising

obtaining a sample of a tendon and

quantifying the level of CREB-binding protein/p300-interacting protein 2 (CITED2) in the sample, and comparing the level to a predetermined control level for the sample size, and determining whether the level of CITED 2 quantitated is in excess of the predetermined control level or whether the level of CITED 2 quantitated is below the predetermined control level.

18. The method of Claim 16 or 17, wherein the level of CITED2 in the sample is quantified by determining by quantifying the amount of a polypeptide agent comprising an anti-CITED2 binding site that binds to the sample when contacted therewith.

19. The method of Claim 18, wherein the polypeptide agent comprising an anti-CITED2 binding site is an antibody or comprises an antigen-binding site of an antibody.

20. The method of Claim 18 wherein the agent comprising an anti-CITED2 binding site is labelled with a detectable marker molecule.

21. A method for (i) improving integration between repaired and native tissue in a tendon, (ii) improving matrix organization in a tendon, (iii) promoting teno-differentiation phenotype in a tendon, (iv) reducing age-related senescence markers of aged implanted cells and cells from adjoining host tissue in a tendon, (v) elevating TGF-β and CTGF in a repaired tendon tissue, or (vi) treating a rupture in a tendon,

wherein the tendon is in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an amount of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) transfected to express CREB-binding protein/p300-interacting protein 2 (CITED2) to the subject effective to (i) improve integration between repaired and native tissue in a tendon, (ii) improve matrix organization in a tendon, (iii) promote teno-differentiation phenotype in a tendon, (iv) reduce age-related senescence markers of aged implanted cells and cells from adjoining host tissue in a tendon, (v) elevate TGF-β and CTGF in a repaired tendon tissue, or (vi) treat a rupture, respectively, in a tendon in a subject.