Resetting harmful changes in Achilles tendon cells
Research Project 2
Looking at ways to reset the gene 'controls' in Achilles tendon cells to help people with chronic Achilles tendon degeneration and pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252814 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare tendon cells from healthy and degenerative Achilles tissue to see how the cell's DNA packaging and gene activity change with tendinopathy. They will map chromatin accessibility and 3D genome structure using techniques such as ATAC-seq and related molecular assays. Lab work will include 3D tissue models and animal or bioreactor tests to recreate the tendon environment and test compounds that alter epigenetic marks. Promising epigenetic drugs or interventions will be studied for their ability to restore healthy tendon cell behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic or degenerative Achilles tendinopathy, especially those whose symptoms persist despite physical therapy, are the most likely candidates to benefit or provide samples.
Not a fit: Patients with acute full-thickness Achilles ruptures needing surgical repair or those with unrelated ankle conditions may not benefit from these therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to new non-surgical drug treatments that help tendon cells heal better and reduce chronic Achilles pain and disability.
How similar studies have performed: Epigenetic drugs have been used in other diseases, but targeting 3D genome architecture for tendon repair is a new approach that is largely untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heo, Su Chin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Heo, Su Chin
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.