Carlos Silva Peniche received the Kootstra Fellowship

We are happy to announce that MERLN Institute's Postdoctoral Researcher, Dr. Carlos Peniche Silva received the Kootstra Fellowship. This will allow Carlos to continue his research project TendoMir: MicroRNA-enhanced Mechanical Stimulation for Tendon Regeneration. 

Over 30% of all musculoskeletal consultations are due to a form of tendon injury. Furthermore, the incidence of tendon ruptures in Europe has been estimated at 80 in 100,000, and it is expected to grow due to the increase popularity of sport practice among the aging population. Moreover, tendons are notoriously hard to regenerate, and injured patients often require surgical intervention. Unfortunately, between 10 to 90% of the surgically treated patients for tendon repair require further treatment. This high rate of failure represents a considerable economic burden and significantly decreases the quality of life of the patients, as they suffer from impaired movement and chronic pain, and often undergo prolonged rehabilitation procedures.    

Carlos aims to elucidate the pathomechanistic role of miRNAs in tendon (patho)physiology, focusing on exercise response and injury. To achieve this, he will utilize a novel 3D mechano-culture system that combines hydrogels, tendon-derived cells, and bioreactors to apply mechanical loading that mimics tendon physiology, overuse, and injury. Carlosgoal is to describe the miRNA-mediated molecular mechanisms regulating tendon injury, healing, and regeneration, thereby enabling the identification of novel miRNA biomarkers of tendon overuse and injury, and ultimately contributing to the development of more effective regenerative therapies.