Hua Shen

Our laboratory conducts basic and translational musculoskeletal research with a particular interest in tendon injury and treatment.

Tendons are dense fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. By transferring the force generated by muscle contraction to associated bones and joints, tendons enable movement and maintain posture. The tendons that store and then release elastic energy during locomotion can also enhance muscle performance and protect muscles from injury. Despite these important roles in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the musculoskeletal system, tendons are prone to various types of injuries. For example, Achilles tendon rupture, which accounts for approximately half of all sports-related injuries, is one of the most treated injuries by orthopedic surgeons. Tendon laceration of the hand is the second-most treated hand injuries in emergency care. Rotator cuff tear is very common in seniors with prevalence increasing from 9.7% in patients 20 years old or younger to about 62% in those 80 years of age or older. Because adult tendons are pauci-cellular and have a limited ability to repair themselves after injury, current clinical treatments can’t consistently restore the structure and function of injured tendons. The resulting tendon weakness compromises force transmission and increases the risk of re-injury. The scar tissue formed between injured tendons and surrounding tissues affects tendon gliding, leading to reduced range of motion. As a result, many patients suffer from long-term pain and physical disability after tendon injury.

We employ a multidisciplinary approach, which integrates the expertise and cutting-edge technology in cell and molecular biology, regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and orthopaedic research, to determine the factors that regulate the growth, homeostasis, and healing of adult tendons. Our goal is to develop effective approaches to prevent and treat tendon injuries and related musculoskeletal disorders.