Creating engineered muscle units to improve muscle repair and function
Official title: Tissue Engineered Motor Units for Neuromuscular Modeling and Repair
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11084395 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating special 3D muscle and nerve structures that can help people recover better from serious muscle injuries, making it easier for them to regain muscle function and heal.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 6, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $591,727 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR083489-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084395 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced significant muscle loss due to trauma or injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with minor muscle injuries or those who do not have significant muscle loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing three-dimensional tissue-engineered motor units that mimic natural muscle and nerve interactions. By using bioengineering techniques, the project aims to create muscle scaffolds that are pre-innervated with axonal networks, which are essential for muscle regeneration after severe injuries. The goal is to enhance the recovery of muscle function and promote healing in patients with significant muscle loss. This innovative approach could provide a new way to study muscle development and improve treatment outcomes for those with musculoskeletal injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery and functionality for patients suffering from severe muscle injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using engineered muscle scaffolds to enhance muscle regeneration, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cullen, Daniel Kacy — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Cullen, Daniel Kacy
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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.