Tendons regularly transmit large forces from muscle to bone to allow joint motion with stability. Tendons are equipped to meet their demanding function because of their structure and composition (extracellular matrix (ECM)). Despite optimization of the tendon’s ECM, repetitive loads innate to physiological motion, lead to sub-rupture accumulation of damage that ultimately progresses to rupture. Surgical repair of ruptured tendons is characterized by scar formation without restoration of the functionally integral mechanical properties of the tendon. In addition to impairing the mechanical function of the tendon, damage to the tendon ECM impacts the biomechanical environment of the resident tendon cells (tenocytes), orchestrating a biological response that leads to ineffective repair of accumulated sub-rupture ECM damage and impaired healing of tendon ruptures. The extracellular matrix structure of the tendon and its insertion into the bone underlies the function of the tendon, and therefore its restoration is a key goal of therapeutic approaches. We utilize a multi-disciplinary approach that includes mechanics, biology, and imaging, to investigate tendon injury and develop therapeutic approaches. Our main ongoing areas of research are as follows:
Prevention of rupture Promoting scarless healing of ruptures
Funding Acknowledgements:
