Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Colorado received a $348,339 Project Grant from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) under the Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.846), awarded May 1, 2026, with a completion date of April 30, 2028. This research initiative investigates the role of hyaluronic acid (HA) in modulating tendon mechanics at the fiber level, with the objective of informing regenerative therapies for tendinopathic and aged tendons. The project employs a novel laser ablation methodology to assess how HA and other glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) affect strain recovery in Type I collagen fibers within both energy-storing and positional tendon types using murine models.

The research deliverables include empirical characterization of fiber-level mechanical responses following HA-specific enzymatic depletion and subsequent re-addition, comparative analysis of effects from sulfated GAG removal, and comprehensive proteomic and biochemical confirmation of extracellular matrix component changes. The project utilizes specialized assays including hyaluronidase enzymatic treatment, chondroitinase ABC digestion, proteomics analysis, ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) for HA quantification, and dimethylmethylene blue assays for sulfated GAG measurement. Research will be conducted at the University of Colorado's Boulder, Colorado facility, with anticipated outcomes contributing to mechanistic understanding of tendon biology and development of evidence-based therapeutic approaches for restoring function to damaged tendons.