The musculoskeletal system serves as a paradigm for dissecting interactions between tissues due to the distinct embryonic origin of its components. Using novel genetic tools in mice, we explore mechanisms that facilitate formation of seamless transitions between muscles and tendons enabling their interactions and force transmission.
Also, please find an attached image. Should you need a legend for the image, here it is:
The muscle-tendon junction is formed of lateral plate mesoderm-derived cells (green) that interact with somite derived muscle fibers (nuclei, tdTomato; Myosin heavy chain; yellow).