Mechanical Overload in Tendons Produces Characteristic Nanoscaled Damage to Collagen Fibrils which Activates Cellular Remodelling

Using very high magnification electron microscopy, we have shown that mechanical overload of tendons produce a characteristic kinking of their supporting collagen fibrils. This is the first evidence that an overload injury like a tendon strain produces collagen damage *at the molecular level*. We believe that this is an important, fundamental feature of collagen's "design" that helps to determine the remarkable toughness of connective tissues and the inflammatory and healing responses to injury. We are seeking to show that: (i) it is a feature of collagen across mammalian species, including humans; (ii) it changes with development and in ageing, affecting soft tissue injuries; (iii) that inflammatory and synthetic cells can recognize it; (iv) that it influences inflammation and healing in vivo. By understanding this key structural feature of soft tissue injuries, we hope to underpin strategies that can modulate inflammation and improve healing.