Endotenon-Derived Type II Tendon Stem Cells Have Enhanced Proliferative and Tenogenic Potential.

Tendon injuries caused by overuse or age-related deterioration are frequent. Incomplete knowledge of somatic tendon cell biology and their progenitors has hindered interventions for the effective repair of injured tendons. Here, we sought to compare and contrast distinct tendon-derived cell populations: type I and II tendon stem cells (TSCs) and tenocytes (TNCs).