Degree
Master of Science
Program
Biochemistry
Supervisor
Dr. Harvey Goldberg
2nd Supervisor
Dr. Frank Beier
Joint Supervisor
Abstract
Tendons and ligaments insert into bone through a transitional tissue termed the enthesis which is susceptible to injury and difficult to repair. Entheses contain a region of calcified fibrocartilage (CFC), however mineral-associated proteins in this tissue remain poorly characterized. Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a phosphoprotein associated with mineralizing tissues. In these studies BSP was identified in the CFC of entheses by immunohistochemistry. Analysis of the entheses of Bsp-/- mice indicate abnormalities in the CFC. Compared to controls, the CFC of the quadriceps tendon enthesis is 28% and 41 % longer in 15 week and 14 month old Bsp-/- mice, respectively. MicroCT and Raman spectroscopic analysis of the CFC in Bsp-/- mice demonstrate that mineral content is similar between genotypes. Mechanical studies show that the Bsp-/- patellar tendon is larger in cross-sectional area yet mechanically weaker. These data suggest BSP is involved in the regulation and growth of the CFC.
Recommended Citation
Marinovich, Ryan M., "The role of bone sialoprotein in the tendon-bone insertion" (2015). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 2953.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/2953
Included in
Biochemistry Commons, Medical Biochemistry Commons, Musculoskeletal, Neural, and Ocular Physiology Commons, Orthopedics Commons