3D printed human heart model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) cardiomyopathy progression
Official title: 3D Bioprinted Human Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) Cardiomyopathy to Study Disease Progression with Imposed Force and Precise Gene Editing
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11369821 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly 3D-printed heart model using stem cells and gene editing helps study how DMD affects the heart over time and tests potential therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $559,031 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL167689-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369821 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy whose condition involves cardiac involvement or who contribute their cells for iPSC-based heart models.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without DMD or those not contributing cells for the model may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project creates a human-like heart chamber pump using 3D printing of patient-derived stem cells and bio-ink to mimic how the heart experiences force. It aims to uncover early changes in DMD-related heart disease by simulating mechanical stress and examining how dystrophin loss alters cell–matrix interactions. Researchers will use CRISPR methods to edit the dystrophin gene in this model and observe effects on disease progression. The work is designed to provide a more human-relevant platform for testing new treatments before trials in people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the model could accelerate development of therapies that slow or prevent DMD-related heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous models have struggled to replicate human heart mechanics; this approach offers a more human-relevant platform, with early-stage promise but requires validation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kamdar, Forum D — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Kamdar, Forum D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How immune cells affect the heart in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
This work looks at how immune cells called macrophages contribute to heart damage in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
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Connexin-43 and Duchenne heart problems: a new target to protect the heart in DMD
Researchers are studying whether a heart protein called Connexin-43 can be adjusted to help people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy avoid dangerous heart problems.
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Predicting heart disease progression in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy
This project will look for blood tests and heart-imaging signs that predict how heart disease will progress in people with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy and in genetic carriers.
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Investigating Connexin 43's role in heart issues related to Duchenne muscular dystrophy
This study is looking at how a protein called Connexin 43 affects heart health in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with the goal of finding new ways to help prevent heart problems like arrhythmias and heart failure.
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Understanding heart problems in Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy
This study is looking at heart problems that can happen in people with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy to find better ways to check heart health and track how the disease changes over time, which will help improve treatments and future drug trials for those affected.
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New treatment for heart failure in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients
This study is testing a new under-the-skin treatment for heart problems caused by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) to see if it can help improve heart function and possibly help patients live longer.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.