Nathan Schiele, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering at the University of Idaho, discussed his research on tendon repair in a podcast episode released on April 14. Schiele and his team are exploring how to build stronger human tendons by combining biology and engineering principles.
The research aims to address the challenge that tendons, which connect muscle to bone through organized collagen structures, often do not heal well after injury. This has significant implications for millions who suffer from tendon injuries each year.
In the episode, Schiele explained that his lab investigates what gives tendons their strength and flexibility. He described how they study the role of lysyl oxidase—an enzyme produced by cells—in strengthening collagen fibers through cross-linking. By examining both chemical and mechanical cues that affect these fibers, Schiele’s team is learning how to guide cells to create more robust tendon tissue.
Schiele also shared recent work on growing tendon-like structures in the lab using mouse stem cells. This process mimics early embryonic development through cell self-assembly. The conversation included advances in 3D imaging and machine learning techniques used by his group to better visualize tendon structure.
The research being conducted could lead to improved treatments for those with tendon injuries, potentially allowing patients to recover more fully than is currently possible.
