Understanding how tendons heal and connect to bones
Official title: Formation of a functional tendon enthesis during development and healing
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11015073 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tendon injuries heal, especially where tendons connect to bones, to find better ways to help adults recover and avoid getting hurt again.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $453,206 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR080717-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015073 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have experienced tendon injuries, particularly those involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with tendon injuries that do not involve the enthesis or those who are not candidates for surgical repair may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the healing process of tendon injuries, particularly focusing on the enthesis, the specialized tissue that connects tendons to bones. It aims to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the formation and regeneration of this tissue, which is crucial for successful tendon repair. By studying the differentiation of specific stem cells and the signaling pathways that promote enthesis development, the research seeks to identify new treatment strategies for improving tendon-to-bone healing in adults. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective therapies and reduced rates of reinjury.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healing outcomes for patients with tendon injuries, reducing pain and the need for repeat surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding tendon healing and regeneration, but this specific approach focusing on enthesis development is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomopoulos, Stavros — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Thomopoulos, Stavros
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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.