Creating a specialized environment to grow blood stem cells outside the body

A bio-engineered hepatic niche for ex vivo expansion of HSCs

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10631071

This study is looking at how to create a special environment that helps blood stem cells grow better outside the body, which could lead to better treatments for people with blood disorders.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10631071 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a bio-engineered environment that mimics the natural niche of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to enhance their growth outside the body. By utilizing modular human liver culture platforms, the study aims to better understand how HSCs can be expanded effectively for potential therapeutic applications. The approach involves exploring the interactions between HSCs and their surrounding cells to optimize conditions for their proliferation and differentiation. Patients may benefit from advancements in treatments for blood-related disorders through improved stem cell therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with blood disorders, such as hemolytic anemia or malignancies, who may benefit from enhanced stem cell therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with non-hematological conditions or those who do not require stem cell therapies may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for conditions like hemolytic anemia and various cancers by providing a reliable source of blood stem cells.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in expanding hematopoietic stem cells using engineered environments, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.