Role of the inter-fascicular matrix in age related deterioration of tendon mechanical function
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen Mary University of London
Department Name: School of Engineering & Materials Scienc
Abstract
Tendon injury is very common, and the risk of injury increases with age. Some tendons are more likely to be injured than others, e.g. the human Achilles is highly prone to injury. This is partly due to its function. While most tendons are involved in limb placement for movement, some, including the Achilles have another function; they act as a spring, stretching to store energy then recoiling to return it, decreasing the body's energy consumption. To achieve this, they have a specialist structure. All tendons are composed of collagen molecules, grouped together to form larger subunits, the largest of which is the fascicle. Fascicles are bound together by inter-fascicular matrix (IFM), but we have evidence that this matrix has a unique and important mechanism in energy storing tendons and is responsible for allowing these tendons to act as springs. This has exciting implications; some individuals are able to use their tendons heavily without injury occurring whilst others are very prone to injury. We believe this may occur as a result of variations in the IFM, reducing the tendon capacity to extend and recoil. If we can quantify IFM structure and function and relate this to tendon properties, we may be able to predict the likelihood of injury in specific tendons, and develop methods to increase resistance to tendon injury and prevent disability.
Racehorses also suffer from tendon injuries. These are one of the most common reasons horses used for athletic purposes are retired and is a cause for considerable economic loss. The energy storing superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in horses is functionally equivalent to the human Achilles and is injured the most often. The characteristics of tendon injury are similar between horses and humans, so we can use the horse as a model to better understand the role of the IFM in human tendon injury. In horse tendon, our previous work shows that the SDFT has a less stiff IFM than the non-energy storing common digital extensor tendon (CDET), which enables the SDFT to extend further before failure. We also have evidence that SDFT fascicles have a better recoil mechanism, indicating that lower IFM stiffness is critical for increasing damage resistance and protecting tendons from injury. Further, we have evidence that the IFM becomes stiffer with age, which may explain why tendon injuries increase in older people and animals. We intend to compare the structure and mechanics of the IFM in different tendons and different aged horses to see if we can identify the specific molecules that are key in influencing IFM mechanical properties.
We will determine how the composition of the IFM influences its mechanical properties in both the SDFT and CDET. Firstly, we will look at the different proteins in the IFM, and establish how they are organised. We will then measure IFM stiffness and determine how this is influenced by different IFM components. Once we have identified structural differences in the IFM between tendon types, we will focus on the damage resistant SDFT for the rest of the project. We will perform several mechanical tests on the SDFT, which will allow us to establish which IFM components control the ability of the tendon to extend and recoil, and provide damage resistance. We will also identify any age related changes in IFM composition and structure, and link these with ageing changes in mechanical properties.
In this work, we will focus on horse tendon. However, our findings will be applicable to humans and other species. The outcomes of this work will be the identification of components that are important in preventing tendon injury. The resulting data will allow us to understand the role of the IFM in normal tendon function, and how this changes with age and injury. This work will help researchers to develop treatments targeted at the IFM, and even improve training plans to promote appropriate IFM development.
Racehorses also suffer from tendon injuries. These are one of the most common reasons horses used for athletic purposes are retired and is a cause for considerable economic loss. The energy storing superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) in horses is functionally equivalent to the human Achilles and is injured the most often. The characteristics of tendon injury are similar between horses and humans, so we can use the horse as a model to better understand the role of the IFM in human tendon injury. In horse tendon, our previous work shows that the SDFT has a less stiff IFM than the non-energy storing common digital extensor tendon (CDET), which enables the SDFT to extend further before failure. We also have evidence that SDFT fascicles have a better recoil mechanism, indicating that lower IFM stiffness is critical for increasing damage resistance and protecting tendons from injury. Further, we have evidence that the IFM becomes stiffer with age, which may explain why tendon injuries increase in older people and animals. We intend to compare the structure and mechanics of the IFM in different tendons and different aged horses to see if we can identify the specific molecules that are key in influencing IFM mechanical properties.
We will determine how the composition of the IFM influences its mechanical properties in both the SDFT and CDET. Firstly, we will look at the different proteins in the IFM, and establish how they are organised. We will then measure IFM stiffness and determine how this is influenced by different IFM components. Once we have identified structural differences in the IFM between tendon types, we will focus on the damage resistant SDFT for the rest of the project. We will perform several mechanical tests on the SDFT, which will allow us to establish which IFM components control the ability of the tendon to extend and recoil, and provide damage resistance. We will also identify any age related changes in IFM composition and structure, and link these with ageing changes in mechanical properties.
In this work, we will focus on horse tendon. However, our findings will be applicable to humans and other species. The outcomes of this work will be the identification of components that are important in preventing tendon injury. The resulting data will allow us to understand the role of the IFM in normal tendon function, and how this changes with age and injury. This work will help researchers to develop treatments targeted at the IFM, and even improve training plans to promote appropriate IFM development.
Technical Summary
We have preliminary evidence that the interfascicular matrix (IFM) is a key determinant of tendon failure properties and fatigue resistance. We hypothesise that injury prone energy storing tendons have an extensible IFM with minimal hysteresis, leading to a structure with improved fatigue resistance. Poor optimisation of the IFM or structural changes with age may predispose individuals to tendinopathy.
This project aims to investigate the role of the IFM in modulating fatigue resistance. Using an equine model, we will compare IFM composition and mechanics between a high strain energy storing and a low strain positional tendon, correlating these data with the mechanical characteristics of the tendons. Looking specifically at the energy storing tendon, we will then establish how the IFM changes with ageing and how this influences fatigue resistance. Finally, we will use knockout models and enzymatic techniques to manipulate IFM composition, and establish how this influences our findings.
The equine model proves an ideal energy storing tendon, with similar properties to the human Achilles. It is also large enough to be used for a series of experiments, enabling paired statistical analyses of the influence of IFM organisation and age on tendon function. IFM composition will be assessed using histology, immunohistochemistry, mass spectroscopy and qPCR. IFM, fascicle and tendon mechanical properties will be determined using quasi-static and cyclic fatigue tests to failure.
Data will provide greater understanding of how injury and ageing influence tendon mechanics via the IFM and may provide insights into methods of limiting injury risk. This will inform treatment practices, and facilitate the design of targeted drugs or treatments for the IFM. It may also be possible to develop training protocols to encourage appropriate IFM development, with the long term goals of decreasing the incidence of tendon injury and improving recovery rate post-injury.
This project aims to investigate the role of the IFM in modulating fatigue resistance. Using an equine model, we will compare IFM composition and mechanics between a high strain energy storing and a low strain positional tendon, correlating these data with the mechanical characteristics of the tendons. Looking specifically at the energy storing tendon, we will then establish how the IFM changes with ageing and how this influences fatigue resistance. Finally, we will use knockout models and enzymatic techniques to manipulate IFM composition, and establish how this influences our findings.
The equine model proves an ideal energy storing tendon, with similar properties to the human Achilles. It is also large enough to be used for a series of experiments, enabling paired statistical analyses of the influence of IFM organisation and age on tendon function. IFM composition will be assessed using histology, immunohistochemistry, mass spectroscopy and qPCR. IFM, fascicle and tendon mechanical properties will be determined using quasi-static and cyclic fatigue tests to failure.
Data will provide greater understanding of how injury and ageing influence tendon mechanics via the IFM and may provide insights into methods of limiting injury risk. This will inform treatment practices, and facilitate the design of targeted drugs or treatments for the IFM. It may also be possible to develop training protocols to encourage appropriate IFM development, with the long term goals of decreasing the incidence of tendon injury and improving recovery rate post-injury.
Planned Impact
Tendon disorders are highly debilitating and painful, and musculoskeletal injuries lead to more days off work than any other illness, costing the economy over £7 billion a year (1). Tendon injury is also common in horses (2) and with a total economic impact of over £3 billion a year from horse racing (3), preventing tendon injuries is high priority (4). A key outcome from our grant is improved understanding of tendon fatigue resistance which is fundamental to preventing damage. We anticipate considerable long term societal benefits to patients with tendon injuries, both preventing new cases and improving healing. This will improve quality of life, reduce strain on the NHS, and lower costs associated with time off work. Such findings are also directly relevant to horses. Around 16,000 race horses are in training each year (3), and tendon injury rate is as high as 43% with very few horses returning to racing post injury; preventing these injuries is essential for the economic health of the industry and to improve equine welfare (5). To realise these potential impact opportunities, we will target our research towards clinical colleagues and medical or healthcare companies.
This project will benefit academics and clinicians with an interest in tendon (dys)function. In the short term, our understanding of how tendons respond to load may clarify optimal methods for treating tendon injury. There is no current consensus on tendon treatment, and no clear physiotherapy regime to promote healing. The PI works closely with a clinical physiotherapist specialising in tendon disorders, and the pair have developed techniques for investigating in vivo tendon biomechanics. We anticipate using these systems to translate our in vitro findings to an in vivo setting and determine optimal physiotherapy training mechanisms for tendon repair. We also have a veterinary surgeon and academic within the current investigative team, enabling us to translate our research across veterinary boundaries. Discussions with these healthcare partners will not only provide valuable feedback on the clinical relevance of our data, but also allow us to consider the optimal methods of disseminating our findings in a manner accessible to healthcare professionals.
Towards the end of the grant we will focus on R&D investment. In characterising the key matrix components that protect tendon from damage, this work will be of interest to companies keen to develop products to prevent or treat tendon injury. There is also strong potential for collaboration with biomaterials and tissue engineering companies. The composite structure of tendon appears key to its optimal function and fatigue resistance. Characterising this will enable us to identify the specific material requirements that must be recapitulated in artificial tendons, significantly improving our potential for developing functional repairs. With skills in biomaterials amongst the applicants, we would remain closely involved in the development of repair solutions. The team has experience of working with medical device companies focused on tissue implant products (e.g. Tissue Science Laboratories; now Coviden), enabling us to advance research towards biomaterial tendon repairs. We also predict tissue engineering benefits, specifically relating to the biological and mechanical environment surrounding cells in the non-collagenous tendon matrix. We anticipate that our data will highlight how cell environment differs in healthy and damaged tendon, providing insights into the optimal in vitro environment for promoting tendon repair. As an additional area of expertise within the research team, we would aim to develop links with tissue engineering companies to take this forward.
1 Bevan 2007 Pub The Work Foundation
2 Clegg 2012 Equine Vet J 44:371
3 Deloitte LLP 2009 Pub British Horseracing Authority
4 HBLB 2012 Scope of veterinary research interests & current specific priorities
5 Dowling 2000 Equine Vet J 32:369
This project will benefit academics and clinicians with an interest in tendon (dys)function. In the short term, our understanding of how tendons respond to load may clarify optimal methods for treating tendon injury. There is no current consensus on tendon treatment, and no clear physiotherapy regime to promote healing. The PI works closely with a clinical physiotherapist specialising in tendon disorders, and the pair have developed techniques for investigating in vivo tendon biomechanics. We anticipate using these systems to translate our in vitro findings to an in vivo setting and determine optimal physiotherapy training mechanisms for tendon repair. We also have a veterinary surgeon and academic within the current investigative team, enabling us to translate our research across veterinary boundaries. Discussions with these healthcare partners will not only provide valuable feedback on the clinical relevance of our data, but also allow us to consider the optimal methods of disseminating our findings in a manner accessible to healthcare professionals.
Towards the end of the grant we will focus on R&D investment. In characterising the key matrix components that protect tendon from damage, this work will be of interest to companies keen to develop products to prevent or treat tendon injury. There is also strong potential for collaboration with biomaterials and tissue engineering companies. The composite structure of tendon appears key to its optimal function and fatigue resistance. Characterising this will enable us to identify the specific material requirements that must be recapitulated in artificial tendons, significantly improving our potential for developing functional repairs. With skills in biomaterials amongst the applicants, we would remain closely involved in the development of repair solutions. The team has experience of working with medical device companies focused on tissue implant products (e.g. Tissue Science Laboratories; now Coviden), enabling us to advance research towards biomaterial tendon repairs. We also predict tissue engineering benefits, specifically relating to the biological and mechanical environment surrounding cells in the non-collagenous tendon matrix. We anticipate that our data will highlight how cell environment differs in healthy and damaged tendon, providing insights into the optimal in vitro environment for promoting tendon repair. As an additional area of expertise within the research team, we would aim to develop links with tissue engineering companies to take this forward.
1 Bevan 2007 Pub The Work Foundation
2 Clegg 2012 Equine Vet J 44:371
3 Deloitte LLP 2009 Pub British Horseracing Authority
4 HBLB 2012 Scope of veterinary research interests & current specific priorities
5 Dowling 2000 Equine Vet J 32:369
Organisations
- Queen Mary University of London (Lead Research Organisation)
- QUEEN MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON (Collaboration)
- University Hospital Regensburg (Collaboration)
- University of Manchester (Collaboration)
- AGH University of Science and Technology (Collaboration)
- University of Leipzig (Collaboration)
- Royal Veterinary College (RVC) (Collaboration)
- University of Amsterdam (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL (Collaboration)
- University of Leuven (Collaboration)
- University of Vienna (Collaboration)
Publications
Godinho MS
(2021)
Elastase treatment of tendon specifically impacts the mechanical properties of the interfascicular matrix.
in Acta biomaterialia
Thorpe CT
(2017)
Fascicles and the interfascicular matrix show decreased fatigue life with ageing in energy storing tendons.
in Acta biomaterialia
Godinho MSC
(2017)
Elastin is Localised to the Interfascicular Matrix of Energy Storing Tendons and Becomes Increasingly Disorganised With Ageing.
in Scientific reports
Thorpe CT
(2016)
Anatomical heterogeneity of tendon: Fascicular and interfascicular tendon compartments have distinct proteomic composition.
in Scientific reports
Thorpe CT
(2016)
Distribution of proteins within different compartments of tendon varies according to tendon type.
in Journal of anatomy
Thorpe CT
(2016)
Fascicles and the interfascicular matrix show adaptation for fatigue resistance in energy storing tendons.
in Acta biomaterialia
Thorpe CT
(2015)
Tendon overload results in alterations in cell shape and increased markers of inflammation and matrix degradation.
in Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports
Thorpe CT
(2015)
The interfascicular matrix enables fascicle sliding and recovery in tendon, and behaves more elastically in energy storing tendons.
in Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials
Description | Through the research funded on this grant, we have discovered several key findings which have opened up new research areas, outlined below. Using a combination of mechanical testing and protein analysis techniques, we have answered important questions regarding structure function relationships within tendon. We have demonstrated that high fatigue resistance of the tendon interfascicular matrix (IFM) is important for tendon function, particularly in tendons that act as energy stores. This capacity for fatigue resistance is likely provided by 2 proteins, lubricin and elastin, which we have shown are highly localised to the IFM. We have further demonstrated that proteins within the IFM are renewed more rapidly than those in the fascicles, and additionally have shown that cyclic over loading of tendon explants causes damage predominantly within the IFM. Taken together, these data indicate that damage in response to overload may localise to the tendon IFM, potentially giving the IFM a protective role, in which it prevents damage propagation throughout the tendon by limiting it to an area which can more easily repair. We have also answered important questions regarding the effect of ageing on tendon structure function relationships, demonstrating that, while the fatigue resistance of both fascicles and the IFM decreases with ageing, the IFM suffers greater age-related changes overall. The age-related reductions in IFM elasticity and fatigue resistance are accompanied by a reduction in the rate of protein renewal, and decreased elastin content and organisation. This likely results in a reduced ability to repair damage to this region and therefore contributes to the increased risk of injury with ageing. These findings open up new avenues to explore how age-related alterations in IFM may affect tendon response to loading and subsequent injury susceptibility, and grant applications to answer these questions are already underway. In addition, the wealth of mechanical data characterising the response of tendon subunits to loading has generated several new collaborations with computational modellers across Europe, as these data are crucial to allow more accurate models of tendon behaviour to be developed. Our findings also raise important questions regarding in vivo tendon mechanics, and we have obtained further funding to develop ultrasound techniques that will allow us to fully characterise tendon mechanics in vivo. We have also assessed the contribution of specific proteins to IFM and fascicle mechanical properties. Samples in which proteoglycans have been disrupted by enzymatic digestion did not display any alterations in mechanical properties, suggesting that these proteins do not contribute significantly to the mechanics of either the IFM or fascicles. We have obtained internal funding for a PhD student who will perform similar studies to directly establish the role of elastin in IFM and fascicle mechanics. |
Exploitation Route | A greater understanding of how tendon responds to loading, how damage occurs, and how this is altered with ageing, will be of interest to medical and veterinary clinicians as these findings will help guide the development of treatments and preventative measures for tendon injury. Our findings will also be of benefit to researchers with an interest in soft tissue structure-function relationships. Indeed, as a result of this work, we are now collaborating with researchers from across Europe, for whom we are providing the data generated from our experiments to allow them to develop and validate their computational models of tendon mechanics. Further, our findings are also of importance to tissue engineering and biomaterials focused academics, as improved understanding of tissue function is key to developing appropriate artificial repairs. |
Sectors | Education Healthcare Leisure Activities including Sports Recreation and Tourism Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
URL | http://www.tendon.qmul.ac.uk/index.html |
Description | To date, we have published nine papers from the project. It has been pleasing to see press releases for a number of these papers taken up and reported across a range of literature such as 'Science Daily' and 'Horse and Hound' and the PDRA has recently been asked to give a lay talk to the Worshipful Company of Farriers on the data from this project. We have also kept out tendon website up to date, to further promote our findings to both a scientific and lay audience. Having presented the data at a number of conferences, it has been exciting to see a growing interest in the IFM throughout our community, and a number of tendon researchers seem to be building on our data and beginning to investigating the role of the IFM in tendon injury and tendinopathy. This provides the opportunity for real impact over the coming years, as we look for new treatments for tendon disease. The tendon research meeting we held in September 2015 provided an outstanding opportunity to bring together researchers from our field and promote our work on the IFM. The feedback from that event has been excellent, and we have made a number of industrial links as a result of the event. We have just received funding for two new translational projects springing directly from our findings and the dissemination of research data. The PDRA has been awarded a highly prestigious fellowship with Arthritis Research UK, which she will begin later this year, whilst the PI has been awarded a project grant by the Horse Race Betting Levy Board which focuses on clinical applications for our findings and engages industry in developing new tools for analysing and managing tendon injury. The PI also has a further EPSRC grant under review, and the team have made two major new collaborative links with other research groups, to help take our findings forward. Concerning educational impact, we have continued to engage undergraduate and postgraduate students with our work, most recently including two undergraduate students on our latest publication from the project, as a result of their summer project work. The PDRA has also continued work as a STEM ambassador participating in further outreach events. In a broader capacity, we also enjoyed helping film an episode of the children's educational programme Operation Ouch, helping them to test tendons and show how strong they are and why. |
First Year Of Impact | 2014 |
Sector | Education,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism |
Impact Types | Societal |
Description | Proteomics data included in a MOOC at Liverpool |
Geographic Reach | Local/Municipal/Regional |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Impact | The data is used as part of a learning tool to assist students to further understand how to engage with proteomics and also teaching them more about the proteins within tendon and changes between tendon types. |
URL | https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/musculoskeletal |
Description | Taught CISM summer school - Italy October 2017 |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
URL | http://www.cism.it/courses/C1711/ |
Description | Taught on a CISM summer school |
Geographic Reach | Europe |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Impact | Screen was involved in the CISM Summer schools in 2015, teaching the attending PhD students and PDRAs about tissue mechanics and the research discoveries made during this project: http://www.cism.it/courses/C1510/ These are prestigious events and will have ensured our research is at the forefront of the research field. |
Description | Arthritis Research UK Fellowship - Thorpe |
Amount | £435,568 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 21216 |
Organisation | Versus Arthritis |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2016 |
End | 11/2021 |
Description | EPSRC Industrial Strategy Studentship |
Amount | £125,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2017 |
End | 09/2021 |
Description | EPSRC and QMUL Studentship |
Amount | £80,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2018 |
End | 01/2022 |
Description | HBLB Project Grant |
Amount | £158,155 (GBP) |
Funding ID | T5 |
Organisation | Horserace Betting Levy Board |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2015 |
End | 05/2017 |
Description | HBLB Project Grants |
Amount | £167,426 (GBP) |
Funding ID | T12 |
Organisation | Horserace Betting Levy Board |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2016 |
End | 07/2018 |
Description | MRC DFPS |
Amount | £1,530,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2014 |
End | 09/2017 |
Description | Orthopaedic Research UK PhD Studentship |
Amount | £75,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Orthopaedic Research UK |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2016 |
End | 09/2019 |
Title | Proteomic data set |
Description | The new proteomic data set related to the tendon proteome has been added to the ProteomeXchange data repository |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2015 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | This data is now available to help any other researchers working on the tendon proteome - it also defines new protein peptides in the horse which may benefit researchers working on other tissues. |
Description | AGH Modelling |
Organisation | AGH University of Science and Technology |
Department | Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics |
Country | Poland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Dr Mlyniec has read the publications from this grant and is using our data to model tendon mechanics in a novel manner. We are providing a range of mechanical testing data as inputs to the models |
Collaborator Contribution | Dr Mlyniec is developing a model based on our data to try and more fully describe tendon macromechanics from microstructure. |
Impact | This multidisciplinary collaboration is now working towards a first publication |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Bio-Statistician - big data management |
Organisation | Queen Mary University of London |
Department | School of Biological and Chemical Science QMUL |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have compiled a substantive and potentially extremely interesting data set from this project, looking to describe mechanical differences between different tendons and identify the structural basis if these. We are aiming to publish all data in a single significant high impact paper. However, this necessitates complex bioinformatics analysis of the data. We aim to achieve the analysis of our data through this bioinformatics collaboration |
Collaborator Contribution | Conrad brings the bioinformatics approaches we need for data analysis |
Impact | Data analysis is just commencing |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | C4Bio |
Organisation | University of Leuven |
Country | Belgium |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have been selected to join the C4Bio mechanical testing project to help standardise and explore methods for the mechanical testing of tissues in greater detail |
Collaborator Contribution | we are one of the original 12 groups testing materials to reach a consensus and support the field. We have a range of samples to test and report on in phase 1 |
Impact | just begun |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Collaboration with Denitsa Docheva - University Hospital Regensburg |
Organisation | University Hospital Regensburg |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Hospitals |
PI Contribution | Denitsa is a developmental biologist with an interest in tendon cell phenotype and understanding what drives tendinopathy. We plan to work together to use her cell knowledge and our fibre composite cell loading system to ask fundamental questions concerning the mechanical cues associated with developing tendinopathy and tendon healing and how to control these processes. |
Collaborator Contribution | As above, Denitsa bring the cell biology expertise |
Impact | this collaboration has just initiated |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Collaboration with the University of Leipzig to investigate tenogenic differentiation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells |
Organisation | University of Leipzig |
Department | Institute of Veterinary Pathology |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | This collaboration has very recently been initiated. It will investigate clinically relevant aspects of tenogenic differentiation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells. Our research team will contribute by providing advice and assistance to establish an appropriate in vitro degenerative environment, particularly with regard to developing appropriate enzyme-cytokine cocktails and mechanical stimuli to induce degenerative pathways. This will be facilitated by visits to the collaborators laboratory in Leipzig. |
Collaborator Contribution | Partners at the University of Leipzig will undertake all experimental aspects of the research, guided by advice given by our research team. |
Impact | This is a new collaboration and as yet there are no outcomes to report |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Manchester tendon modelling |
Organisation | University of Manchester |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have begun a collaboration with two mathematicians at Manchester, using our data to model and investigate tendon mechanics. Their modelling has provided further evidence of the importance of the different structural components of tendon we have discovered. We are currently in the process of drafting a first manuscript together to describe the new modelling approaches using our data. |
Collaborator Contribution | We have provided our experimental data and also an understanding of tendon mechanics and structure-function relationships, based on our findings from this project and others run by our team. |
Impact | This collaboration combines mathematics, physics and biology. The first paper to come from the collaboration is currently in draft form. |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Thorpe ARUK Fellowship |
Organisation | Royal Veterinary College (RVC) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | In order to answer research questions within her fellowship, Thorpe will use the composite system we have developed to investigate tenocyte response to shear. We will work with her on this aspect of her work to support the experimental work |
Collaborator Contribution | This work will provide exciting insight into tendon progenitor cell response to different strain modalities. Thorpe brings the progenitor cell expertise and set up to the collaboration |
Impact | This collaboration is just beginning |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | VU Amsterdam |
Organisation | University of Amsterdam |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Supported their team in mechanically testing the IFM in small rat achilles samples; also in data analysis |
Collaborator Contribution | Loading rig for testing rat Achilles tendon mechanics |
Impact | Just starting to submit grants to work together using this new model for understanding tendon function |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Vienna Mechanics |
Organisation | University of Vienna |
Country | Austria |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Having presented data from this conference at the International Society of Biomechanics conference in Glasgow in 2015, we were approached by Professor Thurner to collaborate on a project to more fully characterise fascicle and interfascicular matrix mechanics. We bring the tendon samples and knowledge of tendon sample preparation and mechanics and are also carrying out a number of the mechanical tests at the microscale |
Collaborator Contribution | Professor Thurner's lab has a strong theoretical stream. He brings the nano-scale mechanical testing to the project and also the modelling of data to help interpret outputs. |
Impact | We are currently working towards a primary publication. Based on completion of this paper, we will look for funding for a PDRA to carry out a modelling project to help develop a new model of tendon mechanics based on our novel understanding of multiscale mechanics |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Whysall MicroRNA analysis |
Organisation | University of Liverpool |
Department | Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have recently begun an OR UK Research project investigating the role of microRNAs in tendon disease, using the composite system to investigate the cell response to shear strain conditions and the effect on microRNAs. We will support with use of the fibre composite system and the mechanical testing of cells |
Collaborator Contribution | Liverpool brings microRNA expertise to look specifically at cell response to strain and how changes in microRNAs may influence tendon phenotype, with exciting applications for further understanding the aeitiology of tendinopathy. |
Impact | This collaboration is just beginning |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | 3rd Annual London Matrix Group Symposium Invited keynote Speaker |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | Discussion about data and techniques. Sharing practice and developing new concepts across the matrix biology field. new collaborations and understanding of biomechanics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Centre of the Cell Schools Outreach Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Taught school children about science and what research is about. After the session, children were excited about science and wanted to do more. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.centreofthecell.org/ |
Description | Erasmus |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Erasmus exchange |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Faculty research forum |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Demonstrations of laboratory work and techniques stimulated discussion with range of company representatives Some follow up meetings to discuss possible interactions with industry in the future |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Invited lay talk at the Worshipful Company of Farriers |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | This talk is scheduled for March, but the invite came as a direct result of a press release for one of our papers. Outcomes are described based on our interactions with the group thus far |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | MRC science week |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | We hosted a event at the World Museum in Liverpool in June 2016 and during MRC science week had an open day for schools at our institute. Whilst it was an MRC event we highlighted our BBSRC grant. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Musculoskeletal Biology Science Day Guest Speaker |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | Talk stimulated discussion about integration of mechanics and biology - interest in future collaborative work Collaborative research ideas to take forward and advance other matrix biology fields of research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Operation Ouch - tendon on tv |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | we worked with the Operation Ouch media team to develop an activity showing how tendons work and how strong they are. This was screened in the first episode of the 2016 series of Operation Ouch! |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | PDRA registered and trained as a STEM Ambassador |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Training in order to work with school children over the coming 2 years of the grant period. None - preparation for future activities |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Press Release for Scientific Reports proteomics paper |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | The press release was picked up by Science Daily, Phys Soc, Horse and Hound and some other online science news sites. There has been considerable twitter discussion of the work and I have had some email enquires for the article and more info about our work. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Press release for tendon inflammation paper (SJMSS) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | to share results of research with the wider pubic. to be released this week - hope for wide take up in media |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Press release for tendon proteomics data (JBC) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Issued press release. Was picked up by a large number of health and science websites. Further dissemination of data and interest in the research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Ran conference: Advances in tendon research - from bench to bedside, which brought together basic research scientists, industry and clinicians |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | We put on a two day conference in the tendon field, bring together researchers, clinicians and industry to talk about the latest research and the best ways to collaborate to take the field forward and maximise research impact. We have made a number of industrial links through the event and are working on future industrially linked project ideas. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | School Science Day Event |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | 50 school children attended a science workshop day at QMUL at which the project PDRA, Thorpe told the students about our latest research and ideas. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
Description | Session lead at New Frontiers in Tendon Research, New York - ORS satellite conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | Extensive discussion groups associated with understanding and developing the field of tendon research Writing a review paper to disseminate discussion further. Increased the size of the group interested and working on in tendon research Highlighted new potential avenues of research and understnading |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Tendon research website developed |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | website launched and promoted through our twitter and linked in profiles and other online media, as well as at conferences. Including scientific and lay information, it allows us to share understanding of our research goals and findings with scientists, as well as with public and those suffering from tendon injuries Number of emails from interested members of the public asking for more information of our work. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
URL | http://www.tendon.qmul.ac.uk/index.html |
Description | The Newport and District Materials Society Annual Guest Lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | A first introduction to the subject of biomaterials for nearly all attendees. Significant discussion group around the lecture and new ways of thinking. Audience exposed to new field of work - interest in learning more and in use of biomimetic materials |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |