Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title>
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<jats:title>Introduction</jats:title>
<jats:p>Tendon is a composite material with a well-ordered hierarchical structure exhibiting viscoelastic properties designed to transfer force. It is recognized that the incidence of tendon injury increases with age, suggesting a deterioration in homeostatic mechanisms or reparative processes. This review summarizes epigenetic mechanisms identified in ageing healthy tendon.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Sources of data</jats:title>
<jats:p>We searched multiple databases to produce a systematic review on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in tendon ageing.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Areas of agreement</jats:title>
<jats:p>Epigenetic mechanisms are important in predisposing ageing tendon to injury.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Areas of controversy</jats:title>
<jats:p>The relative importance of epigenetic mechanisms are unknown in terms of promoting healthy ageing. It is also unknown whether these changes represent protective mechanisms to function or predispose to pathology.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Growing point</jats:title>
<jats:p>Epigenetic markers in ageing tendon, which are under-researched including genome-wide chromatin accessibility, should be investigated.</jats:p>
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<jats:title>Areas timely for developing research</jats:title>
<jats:p>Metanalysis through integration of multiple datasets and platforms will enable a holistic understanding of the epigenome in ageing and its relevance to disease.</jats:p>
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