Creating a replacement tissue to help restore voice function after laryngeal damage
Tissue engineering to regenerate functional vocal fold after scarring or tissue loss
This study is working on creating a new type of vocal fold using stem cells from fat tissue to help people who have lost their voice due to injury or cancer, and they’re testing it in animals to make sure it works well before it can be used in humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10454183 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a tissue-engineered replacement for the vocal folds, which can be damaged due to trauma or cancer. Using adult human stem cells from adipose tissue, the team is creating a three-dimensional tissue substitute that can vibrate like natural vocal folds. The project involves testing this replacement in animal models to understand how it interacts with the body and to optimize its design for future human use. The ultimate goal is to provide a viable treatment option for patients with severe voice difficulties.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced vocal fold loss due to trauma or laryngeal cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with intact vocal folds or those whose voice difficulties are not related to structural damage may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment that restores normal voice function for patients with vocal fold damage.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research in tissue engineering has shown promise in developing similar biological replacements, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Long, Jennifer L — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Long, Jennifer L
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.