# Development of In Vitro Compression-Induced Rotator Cuff Injury Model: Aging and Inflammation in Tendon Degeneration

> **NIH NIH K99** · MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2020 · $125,863

## Abstract

Project Summary
My ultimate career goal is to become a successful independent investigator who can contribute significantly to
the field of aging tendon mechanobiology. The objective of this proposal is to provide me with the remaining
necessary research training in order to make the transition to independence effectively. To achieve this
objective, a training regimen has been developed, consisting of research aims and substantial training
activities. The proposed scientific studies will seek to develop a novel in vitro tendon injury model focused on
age and compressive overload, in order to understand mechanistically the consequences of an increased
compressive loading environment on tendon function, specifically as it relates to age-related rotator cuff
degeneration. The central hypothesis of the proposal is that the chronic inflammatory environment and other
age-related changes in tenocyte processes, combined with an increase in compressive loading due to poor
posture and musculature, may lead to rotator cuff degeneration. We aim to investigate this hypothesis by
creating a powerful in vitro model of compression-induced tendon damage using the murine rotator cuff, and to
use this model to decouple the contributions of natural aging and inflammation in the development of tissue
damage. The project outlined in this application combines fundamental basic research importance with
translation directed toward the future diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of early stage tendon degeneration.
In addition, this proposal details a series of career development activities that will aid me along the journey to
becoming an independent investigator. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology provides me with an
exceptional environment, providing the resources to investigate the proposed scientific studies and develop the
skills necessary for successful career development. Furthermore, the assembled career advisory team, along
with new mentoring relationships I am developing specifically in the aging biology community, will give me the
experience and advising necessary to accelerate my career and begin my own research program as an
independent faculty advisor.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9969184
- **Project number:** 5K99AG063896-02
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Brianne Kathryn Connizzo
- **Activity code:** K99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $125,863
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-07-01 → 2020-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9969184

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9969184, Development of In Vitro Compression-Induced Rotator Cuff Injury Model: Aging and Inflammation in Tendon Degeneration (5K99AG063896-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9969184. Licensed CC0.

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