Understanding how muscles and tendons connect and work together
Official title: Extracellular integration of a cohesive myotendinous junction
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11013857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the important area where muscles connect to tendons to learn how it stays strong and works well, with the goal of finding new treatments for injuries that can happen during sports or physical activities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 16, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $435,527 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081090-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013857 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who have experienced injuries to their myotendinous junctions, particularly from sports or physical activities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic conditions unrelated to muscle-tendon injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the myotendinous junction (MTJ), the critical interface where muscles connect to tendons. It aims to understand how the extracellular matrix (ECM) and mechanical loading contribute to the strength and functionality of this junction. By studying the cellular and molecular interactions at the MTJ, the research seeks to develop new therapies for injuries that occur at this site, which can happen due to sports, physical work, or trauma. The approach includes testing hypotheses about the integration of ECM from both muscle and tendon cells under various loading conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for injuries at the muscle-tendon interface, enhancing recovery and functionality for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanics of muscle-tendon interactions, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Calve, Sarah — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Calve, Sarah
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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.