Creating 3D tissues to study and control stem cell behavior
Official title: Constructing 3D voxelated tissues with molecular architecture encoded modular biomaterials to understand and control stem cell function
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10939530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating special 3D tissue models that closely resemble real body tissues to help scientists learn more about how stem cells work and interact, which could lead to new treatments in regenerative medicine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $387,104 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM154912-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10939530 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that could benefit from stem cell therapies or tissue engineering, such as degenerative diseases or injuries requiring tissue repair.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable conditions that do not involve stem cell dysfunction or tissue regeneration may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced 3D tissues that mimic the natural environment of cells, allowing scientists to better understand how stem cells function and interact with their surroundings. By using innovative biomaterials that can change their properties over time, the project aims to create more realistic tissue models. These models will help researchers explore how cells communicate and behave in a controlled setting, potentially leading to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for conditions that involve stem cell dysfunction and enhance tissue regeneration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in biomaterials and tissue engineering has shown promising results, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant advancements in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Liheng — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Cai, Liheng
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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.