# Diversity Supplement to Modulation of Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy by Multiaxial Mechanical Strains

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · 2020 · $43,043

## Abstract

ABSTRACT FOR THE SUPPLEMENT
 Insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) is a debilitating disorder with poor conservative (non-surgical)
treatment outcomes. Insufficient understanding of the root cause of this pathology is a barrier to the
development of effective interventions. Circumstantial evidence from prior studies by our group and others has
implicated impingement by the calcaneus (heel bone) as the initiating cause of IAT. However, direct evidence
that impingement triggers IAT-like biological adaptations in the Achilles tendon insertion is lacking.
 In the parent grant, we are we investigating how excised viable porcine and human tendon explants adapt
in vitro to simulated impingement applied using a semi-customized, biaxial tension/indentation device. While
this device provides close control over the strain environment, the effects of impingement in vivo may depend
on specific anatomical features of the Achilles tendon insertion – e.g., the angle and area of the Achilles
tendon-calcaneus attachment, the presence of surrounding soft tissues, etc. – that are absent in this model.
 To address this limitation, in Aim 1 of this supplement, we will establish a novel murine explant model of
calcaneal impingement that preserves the native anatomy of the Achilles tendon insertion. Specifically, a
custom-built platform developed by the supplement candidate will be used to apply controlled dorsiflexion
(upward ankle rotation) to the hindpaw of a multi-tissue, intact mouse hindpaw explant, leading to contact
between the Achilles tendon and calcaneus. The baseline tensile strain will be controlled by setting the
extension angle of the knee in the device and the mechanical strain environment will be assessed through high
frequency ultrasound elastography. We hypothesize that in this model – as in the human ankle – dorsiflexion
induces progressive impingement of the Achilles tendon insertion as evidenced by the presence of localized
transverse compressive strain at the site of contact between the calcaneus and the Achilles tendon. This
hypothesis is supported by compelling preliminary data acquired by the supplement candidate.
 In Aim 2 of this supplement, we will leverage the platform developed in Aim 1 to assess biological
adaptations induced by impingement in the mouse hindlimb. We hypothesize that increased dorsiflexion angle
(leading to impingement and increased transverse compressive strain in the Achilles tendon insertion) triggers
elevated expression of fibrocartilage markers and enhanced formation of fibrocartilage. However, these effects
are blunted by concomitant axial tensile strain in the Achilles tendon insertion generated by knee extension.
 The proposed experiments will elucidate if calcaneal impingement generates IAT-like tendon alterations in
a model that preserves the native anatomy of the Achilles tendon insertion. Moreover, these studies will
energize the supplement candidate's research potential by providing her with the opportunity ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10151332
- **Project number:** 3R01AR070765-04S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Mark Raymond Buckley
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $43,043
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2017-08-01 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10151332

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10151332, Diversity Supplement to Modulation of Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy by Multiaxial Mechanical Strains (3R01AR070765-04S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10151332. Licensed CC0.

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