C. T. Thorpe

The interfascicular matrix of energy storing tendons houses heterogenous cell populations disproportionately affected by ageing

This study identifies IFM-resident cell populations in tendons and shows their age-related changes through single-cell RNA sequencing.

The tendon interfascicular basement membrane provides a vascular niche for CD146+ pericyte cell subpopulations

This study identifies CD146+ pericyte subpopulations in the tendon interfascicular basement membrane as a vascular niche involved in tendon structure and function, but not stem cell-like properties.

Structure-function Specialisation of the Interfascicular Matrix in the Human Achilles Tendon

This study shows the human Achilles tendon's interfascicular matrix is specialised for energy storage with increased elasticity and fatigue resistance, which diminish with age due to proteome changes.

Elastase treatment of tendon specifically impacts the mechanical properties of the interfascicular matrix

This study shows elastase treatment reduces elastin in tendon interfascicular matrix, decreasing its viscoelasticity, fatigue resistance, and recoverability, with no effect on fascicle mechanics.

Postnatal mechanical loading drives adaptation of tissues primarily through modulation of the non-collagenous matrix

This study shows that postnatal mechanical loading primarily adapts connective tissues by modifying the non-collagenous matrix, not the collagen fibers.

Bimodal Whole-Mount Imaging Of Tendon Using Confocal Microscopy And X-Ray Micro-Computed Tomography

This paper develops a bimodal imaging technique combining confocal microscopy and x-ray micro-CT to analyze tendon structure in rats and horses, revealing laminin-4 networks and enabling quantitative substructure analysis.

Heterogeneity of proteome dynamics between connective tissue phases of adult tendon

The paper measures protein turnover rates in collagen and glycoprotein phases of rat Achilles tendon using isotope labeling and mass spectrometry, finding significant differences in proteome dynamics between the two ECM phases.