PRIN 2017 - 201742SBXA - Camilla Evangelisti (DSB.AD007.196)

Area tematica

Scienze biomediche

Area progettuale

Struttura responsabile del progetto di ricerca

Istituto di genetica molecolare "Luigi Luca Cavalli Sforza" (IGM)

Responsabile di progetto

CAMILLA EVANGELISTI
Telefono: 0512091581
E-mail: camilla.evangelisti@cnr.it

Abstract

Tendon represents an under-investigated tissue, although the impact of contractures and tendinopathy on the quality of life
of muscular dystrophy (MD) and elderly patients is considerable. Our preliminary data, together with our and others'
previous work, highlight a major role for extracellular matrix (ECM) and nuclear lamina defects in the pathogenesis of tendon
dysfunctions.
In this project, we aim at shedding light on the mechanisms involved in MDs and in aging-related tendinopathies, by bringing
two important innovations to the study of tendon tissue and its cellular components: i) rather than studying tendon by itself,
we will consider tendon and muscle as a single functional unit, the muscle-tendon unit (MTU), in which cells readily sense
ECM changes and communicate by mean of secreted factors; ii) 3D models of healthy and pathological MTUs, including the
junctional structure between the two tissues named myotendineous junction (MTJ), will be generated and exploited to
dissect which ECM changes occur in aged and MD-affected MTUs, and how they impact on the secretome and on the
mechanosignaling.

Obiettivi

This project represents a key starting point for the development of innovative and more effective
therapeutic strategies for diseases afflicting simultaneously muscle and tendon.
11. Total cost of the research project, per single item
Associated
Investigator

Data inizio attività

16/12/2019

Parole chiave

muscle, physiology, tissue

Ultimo aggiornamento: 03/05/2024