NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Understanding how Wnt signaling affects tendon healing and maturation

Official title: Investigating the Role of Wnt Signaling in the Mechanical Maturation of Tendon

Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11068084 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how tendons heal and grow stronger after an injury, focusing on a specific process in the body, to find better ways to help people recover from tendon injuries and improve their everyday activities.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startMay 1, 2025
Project endApril 30, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$79,456
NIH project number1F32AR085460-01
Project IDNIH-11068084 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults with tendon injuries, particularly those affecting the Achilles tendon.

Less likely to help

Patients with tendon injuries who are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the biological mechanisms involved in the healing and maturation of tendons, particularly focusing on the role of Wnt signaling. Tendon injuries can severely impact daily activities due to their poor healing capabilities, often resulting in scar tissue that is less effective than healthy tendon tissue. By studying the cellular and molecular processes that govern tendon maturation, the research aims to identify new strategies for improving tendon structure and function after injury. This could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from tendon injuries.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for tendon injuries, enhancing recovery and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding tendon healing mechanisms, but this specific focus on Wnt signaling is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Massachusetts General Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Peterson, Benjamin — Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Peterson, Benjamin

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.