Analysis of transcript abundance of TGFβ1 signaling target genes was chosen because firstly, severe murine tendinopathy can be induced by intra-tendinous injection of TGFβ1 [7], secondly, human tendinopathy has been linked to changes in TGFβ1 expression and activation [19] and thirdly, the appearance of DSLD tendons (macroscopically and microscopically) indicates deposition of a scar-like tissue (akin to a TGFβ1-induced fibrosis) within the ligament body itself and in the surrounding tissues. This evidence concerns the gene TGFB1 and disease of the tendon.