Lu, Shan; (2025) From Structure to Function: Investigating Age-Related Changes in Elastic Fibre Architecture and Impact of Degradation in Functionally Distinct Tendons. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

Text PhD Thesis.pdf - Accepted Version Access restricted to UCL open access staff until 1 January 2026. Download (6MB)

Abstract

Tendons are classified positional and energy-storing based on function. Energy-storing tendons are more prone to injury with ageing. To explore the structure-function adaptations and identify reasons for the higher injury susceptibility of energy-storing tendons, researchers have focused on the extracellular matrix (ECM). Elastic fibres, a key ECM component, provide elasticity and extensibility. With ageing, these fibres degrade, releasing biologically active elastin-derived peptides (EDPs). Although studies have highlighted the importance of elastic fibres in tendon function, the structural differences between tendon types and how these differences change with age remain unclear. Moreover, the potential biological roles of elastic fibres beyond their mechanical function in tendons have yet to be explored. We hypothesised that there are structural differences in elastic fibres between tendon types, and that these differences, along with ageing, contribute to the increased susceptibility of energy-storing tendons. Furthermore, EDPs are biologically active within tendons and may influence tendon repair. Histological and biochemical analyses compared elastic fibres across tendon types and ages, while in vitro cell assays examined the effects of EDPs on cells and ECM remodelling. Results indicate that energy-storing tendons exhibit a more complex and younger elastic fibre network, with higher metabolic activity to meet their functional demands. With ageing, elastic fibres in energy-storing tendons become more fragmented and disorganised. This may be one of the factors contributing to the greater injury risk in elderly energy-storing tendons. Moreover, EDPs were found to regulate cellular behaviours (such as promoting cell proliferation and migration) and ECM remodelling (such as upregulating collagen, MMPs and TIMPs), indicating their involvement in tendon repair. These findings fill a gap in the understanding of the elastic fibres of different tendon types, and deepen our knowledge of tendon injury and repair, particularly of age-related conditions. Additionally, they provide a foundation for developing therapeutic strategies targeting EDP signalling.

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