# Novel model of tendinosis to investigate multiscale structure and function of tendon after overload

> **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE · 2021 · $46,036

## Abstract

Project Summary
Chronic tendinosis, the degeneration of tendon which leads to tendinopathy, is believed to be initiated by
mechanical overuse. Tendinosis and tendinopathy are notoriously difficult to treat, and as tendon is a major
organ of movement, can be physically debilitating to those affected. The timeline of overuse tendinopathy is
not fully elucidated; there is limited work on the progression between acute overuse and end-stage chronic
tendinopathy. Current treatments are not rigorously established in physiology due to this lack of information. In
order to evaluate the structural and mechanical changes, the use of novel multiscale modes of imaging
and mechanical testing is necessary. Tendon has a complicated hierarchical structure, with damage and
remodeling occur at multiple different length scales, making multiscale analysis necessary. The objective of
this proposal is to use novel imaging and multiscale mechanical testing with a novel animal model to
investigate the progression of overuse tendinosis. I will apply the synergistic ablation model to overload rat
plantaris tendon and use my lab’s expertise in multiscale imaging and mechanical testing to apply novel
techniques to this problem.
Aim 1: Determine the multiscale structural changes occurring in vivo during the progression of
overuse tendinosis. I hypothesize that tendon will show altered collagen fibril structure, altered collagen fiber
structure, and gross pathological hallmarks of tendinopathy by 4 weeks. Throughout the rest of the time points,
I hypothesize that structure will continue to deteriorate, though it is possible that tendon healing may
successfully be able to reverse overuse, and the healing response may be evaluated.
Aim 2: Quantify the multiscale mechanical changes occurring in vivo during the progression of
overuse tendinosis. I hypothesize that microscale damage will initiate at 4 weeks in the form of
nonrecoverable sliding between fibers and increased fiber strain. I also hypothesize that as tendinosis
progression, molecular collagen and microscale fiber damage will be followed by impaired tissue-level
mechanical properties.
This study will establish key changes in the structure and mechanical function of tendon during the progression
of overuse tendinopathy. Understanding these changes will be an important step forward in being able to treat
this prevalent musculoskeletal disorder. My career goals as an aspiring PI are to reduce the burden of
musculoskeletal degenerative injuries. The training I will receive during this project will make me a valuable
investigator, with proficiencies in sophisticated mechanical testing, novel imaging and image analysis, and
preclinical animal models. The Elliott Lab at the University of Delaware is part of an active and highly ranked
network of programs and faculty centered on musculoskeletal research, and is ideal for this project.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10235420
- **Project number:** 1F31AR078005-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
- **Principal Investigator:** Ellen Bloom
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $46,036
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-04-20 → 2024-04-19

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10235420

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10235420, Novel model of tendinosis to investigate multiscale structure and function of tendon after overload (1F31AR078005-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-02 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10235420. Licensed CC0.

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