Fig. 8. Proposed mechanism of tendon mechanotransduction that adapts the tissue and influences physical performance.

a, Mechanical loading of tendons during, for instance, training (b) causes shear stress on tissue-resident tenocytes. c, Such stimulus is sensed by PIEZO1 – a mechanosensitive ion channel – that triggers intracellular Ca²⁺ signals and leads to an upregulation of collagen crosslinking enzymes. d, As a consequence, the stiffness of tendons increases, affecting the physical performance.