Understanding how soft tissue defects fail and rupture
Official title: Understanding the Mechanobiological Mechanisms of Soft Tissue Defects and Rupture
Funded at University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) · NIH-11427188 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project aims to uncover why soft tissue defects rupture by looking at the tiny, local changes in tissue mechanics and biology in models like the mouse carotid artery and stomach.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $411,888 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM166142-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11427188 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with or at risk for soft tissue defects or related chronic conditions could benefit from future advances stemming from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefits may not be immediate; the study uses animal models to understand basic mechanisms.
What this research studies
This project will combine high-resolution imaging and molecular analysis to map how defects in soft tissues develop and rupture. Researchers will use methods such as panoramic digital image correlation, optical coherence tomography, histology, multiphoton imaging, and transcriptomics to create precise, location-specific data. By studying how defect geometry and local tissue properties interact, the team hopes to reveal mechanisms that could guide better prevention and treatment in patients with soft tissue vulnerabilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better prediction and prevention of soft tissue ruptures and inform new therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies in mechanobiology have shown that local tissue structure and mechanics influence rupture risk, supporting this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weiss, Dar — University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
- Study coordinator: Weiss, Dar
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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.