Promotionsstipendien I/2020

Thema: " The effect of age and fitness on the expression of inflammation and remodeling markers in rat Achilles tendons"

Zusammenfassung:
The pathogenesis of tendinopathy is not well understood for now. Inflammation and degeneration seem to be involved in the process, which is favored by an interaction of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Previously, my working group discovered the important role of age and fitness on extracellular matrix proteins in a rat model artificially selected for running capacity. This study was the first one using an animal model with activity related health impairments without genetic modifications. These rats differ significantly in their intrinsic running capacity, body weight and life expectancy. Therefore, investigating inflammation and remodeling markers in this model will be of special interest. In my project, I will apply rat tendons to different experiments in vitro to evaluate the effect of fitness and age on the expression of inflammation and remodeling markers. qRT-PCR will be the main method to quantify the gene expression. To study histopathological changes, microscopy and immunohistochemistry will be used. To address overuse as a predisposing factor for tendinopathy, tendon cells will be exposed to defined mechanical loading in vitro and alteration in gene expression will be studied.