Understanding how collagen affects tendon healing as we age

Collagen III differential roles in temporal regulation of tendon healing across ages

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11098633

This study looks at how a specific type of collagen, called collagen type III, affects how tendons heal, especially as we get older, to help find better ways to support healing for people of all ages.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11098633 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of collagen type III in the healing process of tendons, particularly how its expression changes with age. Tendons are crucial for movement but often heal poorly after injury, especially in older individuals. The study aims to explore how collagen type III influences the recruitment of cells necessary for healing and how its levels differ in younger versus older tissues. By examining these mechanisms, the research seeks to improve tendon healing strategies tailored to different age groups.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with tendon injuries, especially older adults who may have age-related healing challenges.

Not a fit: Patients with tendon injuries who are very young or have no age-related healing issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for tendon injuries, particularly in older patients who typically experience slower healing.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that collagen plays a significant role in healing processes in other tissues, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for tendon healing as well.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.