Hormonal Regulation of Tendon ECM Dynamics Across the Menstrual Cycle
Musculoskeletal tissues including tendons and ligaments are dynamic structures that continuously remodel in response to mechanical loading and biochemical signals. Accumulating evidence suggests that hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle regulate extracellular matrix turnover, yet the temporal dynamics of these changes and their functional implications remain poorly understood. We present recent findings on how estrogen and progesterone modulate collagen and glycosaminoglycan turnover, mechanosensing capacity, and structural properties across different phases of the menstrual/estrous cycle. We will discuss how understanding these cycle-dependent changes in tissue remodeling may inform strategies for optimizing musculoskeletal health and performance in women and provide insights into tissue aging and menopausal transitions. These findings highlight the importance of considering hormonal status and cycle phase as biological variables in musculoskeletal research and clinical practice.
Bio: Brianne Connizzo is an assistant professor in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at Boston University. Her research program investigates the structural and mechanical properties of musculoskeletal tissues-particularly tendons-with a focus on how aging, sex differences, and mechanical loading influence tissue composition and function. Her work integrates multiscale biomechanics, extracellular matrix dynamics, and cellular mechanobiology to understand tissue health and degeneration. Connizzo received her Ph.D. in bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 2015 and completed her postdoctoral training in the Department of Biological Engineering at MIT. Her research has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, including a K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award and an NIGMS R35 MIRA, and has resulted in over 40 peer-reviewed publications with more than 2,000 citations. In addition to her research contributions, Connizzo is deeply invested in mentorship and leadership, devoting time to curricular development, advisory committees, and various student organizations on campus. She also co-founded the ORS Research Interest Group on Women’s Health in Orthopaedics and serves in numerous leadership roles across BMES, ORS, and ASME. She was recently recognized with the 2026 Early Career Excellence in Research Award from BU’s College of Engineering and the 2024 Early Career Award from the Journal of Orthopaedic Research.