Role of CaV1.2 calcium channels in Achilles tendinopathy
Official title: Investigation in the role of L-type Ca2+ channel CaV1.2 in Achilles tendinopathy
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11358381 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how a calcium channel called CaV1.2 may drive tendinopathy in the Achilles tendon and what this could mean for new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $452,394 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR085590-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358381 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with Achilles tendon injuries or tendinopathy who may benefit from future therapies targeting CaV1.2-related pathways.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage animal-model findings may not translate to immediate benefits for current patients.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how CaV1.2 calcium channels affect Achilles tendon injuries using mouse models with normal and altered CaV1.2 activity. The work aims to uncover cellular and molecular steps that lead to tendon degeneration and unwanted bone formation after injury. Findings could point to new targets for therapies that prevent or slow chronic tendon problems in people who have Achilles injuries or overuse injuries. The project is conducted at the University of Rochester with careful attention to translating findings toward human health, including how inflammatory signals like TNF-α influence the tendon response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new treatments that reduce pain and improve long-term function for people with Achilles tendinopathy.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in animal models suggest calcium signaling can influence tendon pathology, but translation to human therapy remains under investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Chike — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Cao, Chike
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Personalized Achilles tendon rehab: how loading in daily life affects healing
A person with mid-substance Achilles tendinopathy could benefit from a personalized rehab plan based on how their daily activities load the tendon.
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Achilles Tendinopathy Center of Translation
A center-led program aims to uncover basic science and translational tools to improve care for people with Achilles tendinopathy.
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Understanding the muscle-subtendon units in Achilles tendinopathy
This project explores why Achilles tendinopathy affects people differently by looking closely at the ankle’s tendon structure and how it responds to treatments.
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Exosome-based biologic treatment for tendinopathy
A new exosome-based therapy called Altenex aims to treat tendinopathy safely and effectively in adults.
-
Quantifying Achilles Tendon Stress in Dancers to Prevent Tendinopathy
Aimed at female ballet dancers, this project will measure Achilles tendon stress during dance and develop better tools to monitor pain and guide injury prevention and recovery.
-
Patient-specific factors that influence recovery from rotator cuff tendinopathy
Aims to understand why some people recover better from shoulder tendon problems than others and how to tailor resistance exercise to each person.
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.