Program

Thoroughbred Horses

Research Organisation

The University of Queensland

Objective Summary

(1) To quantify differences in gap junction (connexin) protein expression between fibroblasts in normal and injured equine superfical digital flexor tendon (SDFT) tissue.
(2) To determine whether targeting the expression of specific connexin protein isoforms by equine tendon fibroblasts can result in upregulation of collagen type I gene expression and protein synthesis.
(3) To develop an in vitro model system for investigation of the effects of antisense knockdown of connexin proteins on healing of injured tendon tissue.

Hypothesis: “Manipulation of gap junction expression by tenocytes in the injured equine superficial digital flexor tendon can accelerate and improve healing.”