New method for in vitro production of tenocytes

The present invention relates to a method for the production of tenocytes, highly specialized cells that form tendons connective tissues, starting from mammalian mesenchymal stem cells. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for the characterization of tenocytes and mammalian mesenchymal stem cells. It is known that tendon damages can seriously and permanently impair the mobility and functionality of an articulation. This kind of lesions frequently occurs in athletes or race animals that subject their tendons to heavy and sustained efforts due to their physical activity. It is known that race horses suffer from damages to limb tendons and that this kind of accident can lead, as an extreme consequence, to put the animals down. The invention describes an innovative therapeutic method for such tendons damages.