Human Tendon Tissue Collection for In Vitro Models and Tissue Analysis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Human Tendon Tissue Collection for In Vitro Models and Tissue Analysis
IRAS ID
368295
Contact name
Hazel Screen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Joint Research Management Office, Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Tendinopathy is a painful, debilitating condition severely impacting quality of life for millions. Current treatments are limited due to poor understanding of tendinopathy mechanisms, primarily because existing models inadequately replicate human tendon biology. In this project, surplus tendon tissue obtained during routine elective surgical procedures will be collected and repurposed for research. Prior to surgery, informed consent from eligible patients is obtained. All tissue will be obtained solely from material surplus to clinical need; participants will not undergo any extra clinical procedures for research purposes. These specimens will enable the development of advanced, human-relevant in vitro tendon models, including state-of-the-art organ‑on‑a‑chip systems, which are small engineered devices that allow 3D tissue to be grown under physiologically relevant mechanical stimulation, helping to mimic how real tendon tissue behaves inside the body. In parallel, comprehensive analyses of whole-tissue sections will be performed to define molecular markers and cell type–specific signatures that characterize normal tendon physiology and pathological remodeling. Together, these approaches aim to establish a robust translational framework for elucidating disease mechanisms and accelerating therapeutic innovation in tendinopathy.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/EE/0159
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jul 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion