Bioengineered uterine tissue to rebuild the uterus
Bioengineered Tissues For Uterine Reconstruction
Using lab-grown uterine tissue to help people with uterine-factor infertility, including Asherman syndrome, regain a working uterus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258996 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have uterine-factor infertility, this project aims to create replacement uterine tissue using a person's own cells and lab-grown scaffolds. Researchers will implant these engineered tissues into animal models that have menstrual cycles and uterine structure similar to humans to see if the tissue integrates, develops normal structure, and supports pregnancy. The team previously showed success in rabbits and is now using old-world primates as a closer step toward human use. These preclinical tests focus on safety, structural maturation, and functional support of the uterus over menstrual cycles.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with uterine-factor infertility such as severe Asherman syndrome, extensive uterine scarring, or uterine defects that prevent pregnancy are the likely candidates for this line of treatment.
Not a fit: People whose infertility is caused by non-uterine issues (for example egg, ovary, or sperm problems) or who cannot undergo surgical procedures would not expect direct benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could restore uterine structure and function and allow some people with uterine-factor infertility to carry pregnancies.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab work showed successful pregnancies using autologous bioengineered uterine tissue in rabbits (published in Nature Biotechnology), but testing in primates and humans is a new step.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Atala, Anthony — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Atala, Anthony
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 below.