Collagen III and how tendon healing changes with age
Collagen III differential roles in temporal regulation of tendon healing across ages
This research looks at whether the protein collagen III helps tendons heal better or worse in younger versus older people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322637 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how collagen III levels change after a tendon injury and whether the timing of its presence affects scarring and tissue strength. They will compare healing in young versus aged tissues and use laboratory models to increase or decrease collagen III at different stages of repair. The team will track cell recruitment, collagen organization, and mechanical strength to connect molecular changes with tendon function. Results will be used to suggest ways to adjust collagen III timing to improve healing, especially in older adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recent tendon injuries, especially older adults who experience slow or incomplete healing, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without tendon injuries or whose tendon problems are caused by issues unrelated to collagen biology may not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments that reduce scarring and restore tendon strength, particularly for older patients with poor healing.
How similar studies have performed: Studies in skin and bone show collagen III influences early repair and remodeling, but applying this concept to tendon healing is largely new.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soslowsky, Louis J — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Soslowsky, Louis J
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.