Table 1 Markers of tenocyte phenotype. Tenocyte phenotypic markers, their associated functions, and references are provided

Scleraxis (SCX)

Transcriptional activator that regulates the expression of tenomodulin and the proliferation of tenocytes

[31, 43]

Tenomodulin (TNMD)

A transmembrane glycoprotein, a specific marker of mature tendons and ligaments that has anti-angiogenic activity and promotes the maturation and maintenance of the differentiated tendon phenotype

[21, 44]

Tenascin-C (TNC)

A glycoprotein known to be present in healthy tendon and is involved in the regulation of collagen fibrillogenesis

[38]

Type I Collagen (COL1A1)

The most abundant molecule in the tendon extracellular matrix

[10, 42]

Type III Collagen (COL3A1)

The 2nd most abundant collagen in tendon, and its expression is stimulated during tendon repair

[10, 42]

Decorin (DCN)

Necessary for maintaining collagen fibril integrity in mature tendon

[39]