Investigating genetic and therapeutic methods to improve recovery from severe shoulder injuries.
Official title: Genetic and Therapeutic Approaches to Alleviate the Pathology of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11126625 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your shoulder muscles behave after a big rotator cuff tear, which can make recovery harder, and it aims to find new ways to help people heal better from these injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 27, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $200,854 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR083041-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11126625 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced massive rotator cuff tears and are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with minor shoulder injuries or those who do not have rotator cuff tears may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms behind massive rotator cuff tears, which are common and debilitating shoulder injuries. It aims to explore how certain cells in the muscle contribute to fat accumulation and fibrosis after injury, which can hinder recovery. By using advanced techniques such as genetic tracing and RNA sequencing in animal models, the researchers hope to identify key molecular signals that could lead to better therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from these injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that enhance recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury for patients with rotator cuff tears.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding muscle pathology related to rotator cuff injuries, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hilton, Matthew J. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Hilton, Matthew J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Meltblown scaffolds to help irreparable rotator cuff tears
A new 3-D biomaterial scaffold made from meltblown technology aims to improve interposition grafts for people with irreparable rotator cuff tears.
-
Predicting How Exercise Helpful Rotator Cuff Tears Will Turn Out
Aimed at people with rotator cuff tears, the grant investigates how a personalized exercise program might lead to better shoulder function and fewer surgeries.
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Nervous system role in recovering from painful rotator cuff tears
This project looks at how brain and nervous system factors influence recovery and pain after rotator cuff tears to help tailor treatments for people suffering from this condition.
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Turning harmful shoulder fat into healing beige fat with targeted nanomedicine
This project uses tiny medicine-filled nanoparticles to turn the harmful fat that builds up in torn shoulder muscles into healing, energy-burning fat to help people recover after rotator cuff tears.
-
Biomusculoskeletal drivers of shoulder pain in rotator cuff tears
A research project will explore why some people with a torn rotator cuff have pain and others don’t by looking at nerves, brain signals, and shoulder muscle control.
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Genetic links to rotator cuff tears and muscle fatty change
This project looks for genetic differences that raise the risk of rotator cuff tears, lead to fatty changes in shoulder muscles, and influence outcomes after surgery or physical therapy for people with atraumatic rotator cuff tears.
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.