Transcriptional Adaptations to Muscle Loading in a Murine Model of Achilles Tendinopathy.

ABSTRACT: Achilles tendinopathy limits mobility and decreases quality of life. Physical therapy (eccentric muscle loading) improves tendon function; however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. This study investigated the effect of load magnitude and treatment duration in a mouse Achilles tendinopathy model. We hypothesized that loading would upregulate signaling and metabolic transcriptional networks associated with improved tendon healing. Mice were randomly assigned to muscle loading groups (50 or 100% body weight (BW)) or age-matched injured/untreated (IU) and naïve control groups. Following induction of Achilles tendinopathy via paired TGFB-β1 injections, loading was performed for 1, 2, or 4 weeks, mice euthanized, and Achilles tendons harvested for transcriptomics. The exercised groups exhi

SUBMITTER: Easley DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12861837 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature