How head tendons form and build their supporting matrix
Developmental regulation of cranial tendon fibroblast diversity and ECM interactions
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11247484
This work looks at how different tendon cells in the head form and make the surrounding support tissue, using zebrafish to find clues that could help people with tendon injuries.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11247484 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The researchers use zebrafish because their transparent embryos let scientists watch tendon cells develop in real time. They will use single-cell RNA sequencing to learn which genes are active in different tendon cell types and use genetic tools to change those genes and observe the effects. The team will test how mechanical force and signaling molecules like retinoic acid shape how tendon cells build the extracellular matrix that gives tendons strength. Although the experiments are in fish, many tendon genes are conserved in humans, so the findings could point toward new ways to treat tendon degeneration or injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with tendon injuries, chronic tendon pain, or degenerative tendon conditions would be the kinds of patients who might benefit from future work informed by this research.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated neurological disorders, non-tendon musculoskeletal problems, or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal new targets to improve tendon repair and prevent degeneration after injury.
How similar studies have performed: Prior zebrafish work from this team found tendon proteins conserved in humans, showing this approach can reveal important tendon biology, though translating those findings into patient therapies is still early.
Where this research is happening
IRVINE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE — IRVINE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SCHILLING, THOMAS F — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- Study coordinator: SCHILLING, THOMAS F
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.