Nicole Vergara
Pronouns: She/her
Research Mentor(s): Megan Killian
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Orthopaedic Surgery / Medicine
Program: UROP
Session: Session 5 (2:40pm – 3:30pm)
Authors: LeeAnn Flowers, Megan Killian
Abstract
Tendon physiology is poorly understood, yet musculoskeletal health and mobility rely on functional tendons. In order to better understand the musculoskeletal system, it is crucial to investigate tendon physiology and its relations to anatomical health on a biochemical level. By deriving knockout cells from injured mice and comparing it to cells under normal conditions, this study seeks to investigate the effects of cellular behavior and its contribution to tendon healing. Using an assay to measure the ratio of ADP to ATP, the results reveal the various pathways a cell can follow: proliferation, growth arrest, apoptosis, or necrosis. Applying these results in the scope of metabolic pathways, it is evident that the varying ADP and ATP levels influence the activation of AMPK – a cellular energy sensor that seeks to restore homeostasis and inflammatory responses to injury. Understanding the relationship between ADP/ATP to AMPK is critical when assessing tendon imbalances and injuries. Higher levels of AMPK result in efficient healing amongst injured tendon cells, but solutions to resolve low levels of AMPK remain understudied. As biochemical studies on tendon physiology is a growing field of research, the results of this study can contribute to reducing the implications of tendinopathy, a painful condition with few solutions.
