Award
NIH Reporter #5F32AR082671-02
Glycosaminoglycan-mediated fibril sliding and its role in fatigue-induced microdamage and rupture in aged and healing Achilles tendons
Recipient
University of Pennsylvania
Award Amount
$76,520.00
Ceiling
$76,520.00
Awarded
September 08, 2025
Identifier
5F32AR082671-02
The award funds research to study how glycosaminoglycans affect tendon fatigue and rupture in aging and healing Achilles tendons, aiming to improve understanding and treatment of tendon injuries.
Description
This study aims to elucidate the role of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in fatigue-induced rupture in aging and healing Achilles tendons using a multiscale experimental and computational approach. The research will innovate biomechanical evaluations of tendon rupture due to fatigue, enhance understanding of tendon rupture mechanisms in vulnerable populations, and inform future treatments to improve tendon function and prevent injury. The project couples biomechanical testing with micromechanical and histological measures and computational modeling to define the interplay between GAGs, interfibrillar load transmission, and fatigue rupture in mature and aged tendons.