2D scanning SAXS/WAXS data of mouse achilles tendon enthesis

The enthesis is the biological site where tendon attaches to bone. It is thus of great importance for biomechanical load transfer and achieves the task of interfacing bone and tendon through a highly optimized nanostructure and mineralization strategy. The nanostructure is actively formed in response to the prevailing load conditions. A chronic change of the enthesis’ load conditionsleads to structural remodeling which alters the mechanical properties. Understanding these structural changes and coupling them to the mechanical properties is essential to optimize prophylactic and rehabilitative medical procedures. This experiment aims at characterizing the nanostructure and mineralization of the enthesis by scanning SAXS/WAXS. By studying the Achilles tendon enthesis (ATE) of freely-moving mice and hindlimb-unloaded mice, this experiment addresses the question how mechanical unloading impacts the enthesis nanostructure.