Creating engineered human skeletal muscle tissues to study stem cell function

Engineering Heterocellular Human Skeletal Muscle Tissues to Recreate and Study Native Stem Cell Niche Function

['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11090546

This study is looking at how muscle stem cells work in a lab-made version of human muscle to learn more about how we can help muscles heal better, especially for people dealing with aging or muscle diseases.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11090546 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing engineered 3D human skeletal muscle tissues to better understand how muscle stem cells, known as satellite cells, function within their natural environment. By recreating the specialized niches that support these cells, the research aims to investigate how various factors influence muscle repair and regeneration, particularly in conditions where this process is impaired, such as aging or disease. Patients may benefit from insights gained through this research, which could lead to improved treatments for muscle-related disorders.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with muscle degeneration issues due to aging, congenital neuromuscular disorders, or other conditions affecting muscle health.

Not a fit: Patients with acute muscle injuries or those without underlying muscle repair issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance muscle repair and regeneration in patients with various muscle disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using engineered tissues to study muscle biology, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

DURHAM, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases, autoimmune disorder, autoimmunity disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.