How muscles and tendons connect to transfer force
Extracellular integration of a cohesive myotendinous junction
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO · NIH-11250106
This project is learning how the 3D protein network and repeated mechanical loading help muscles and tendons form a strong junction to benefit adults with muscle-tendon injuries.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11250106 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is looking at the tiny protein and cell network that joins muscle to tendon and how regular mechanical loading keeps that junction strong. They will recreate the interface using 3D imaging and laboratory models, identify the key cells and extracellular matrix components, and apply cyclic loading to see what maintains attachment. The goal is to find the signals and structures needed to make a mechanically robust connection between muscle and tendon. Findings are intended to inform future repair methods for people with MTJ injuries.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have experienced muscle-tendon junction injuries or tears (for example from sports, work, or trauma) would be the most relevant candidates for future related trials or therapies.
Not a fit: People whose problems are primarily nerve-related muscle weakness, systemic muscle diseases unrelated to the tendon interface, or congenital connective tissue syndromes may not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide therapies or engineered repairs that restore strength at the muscle-tendon junction and lower the chance of re-injury.
How similar studies have performed: Previous imaging and tissue-engineering studies have clarified parts of MTJ structure and shown promise, but fully integrated repair strategies remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boulder, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO — Boulder, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CALVE, SARAH — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
- Study coordinator: CALVE, SARAH
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.