Regional transcriptomics and mechanical properties of rat Achilles tendons

The transcriptome of different tendons varies based on anatomical location and is likely influenced by the biomechanical loading environment. While differences in biologic and mechanical properties of whole tendons have been assessed, less is understood about differences within a tendon along its proximal-distal axis. Therefore, our objective was to determine the characteristics of and relationship between the transcriptomes and mechanical properties of a single tendon.