Investigating the genetic factors behind rotator cuff tears
Official title: The Genetic Epidemiology of Rotator Cuff Tears: The cuffGEN Study
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11142023 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes might affect the chances of getting rotator cuff tears in the shoulder and how well different treatments, like surgery or physical therapy, work for people with this condition. If you have a rotator cuff tear and are interested in how genetics and other factors like weight might play a role in your recovery, this research could be for you!
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $706,928 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AR074989-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142023 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing shoulder pain due to atraumatic rotator cuff tears.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with traumatic rotator cuff tears or those who do not have shoulder pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the genetic predisposition to rotator cuff tears, a common cause of shoulder pain and disability. It aims to identify genetic variants associated with these tears and their impact on treatment outcomes. The study will involve a clinical trial with 700 patients, comparing the effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery versus physical therapy for treating atraumatic rotator cuff tears. By analyzing genetic data alongside patient outcomes, the research seeks to uncover the relationship between genetics, obesity, and fatty infiltration in rotator cuff muscles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to personalized treatment strategies for patients with rotator cuff tears based on their genetic profiles.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding genetic factors in other musculoskeletal conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jain, Nitin B — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Jain, Nitin B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.