Investigating the genetics 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-10755631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how your genes might affect your chances of getting a rotator cuff tear in your shoulder, and if you join, you’ll help researchers find out more about this so they can improve prevention and treatment for people at risk.
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, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $216,263 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AR074989-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10755631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of rotator cuff tears or those at risk due to genetic predispositions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any history of shoulder injuries or genetic predispositions to rotator cuff tears may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the genetic factors that contribute to rotator cuff tears, a common shoulder injury. By analyzing genetic data from participants, the study aims to identify specific genes and genetic variations associated with an increased risk of these injuries. Patients may be asked to provide genetic samples and health information to help researchers uncover patterns that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies. The findings could ultimately enhance personalized care for individuals at risk of rotator cuff tears.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and treatment options for patients suffering from rotator cuff tears.
How similar studies have gone: While genetic epidemiology is a growing field, this specific investigation into rotator cuff tears is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
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.
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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.
-
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.
-
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.