Creating human-like hearts in genetically modified pigs
Official title: Exogenic organs in gene edited pigs
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11022556 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to create pig hearts that are compatible with humans to help people who need heart transplants, using special gene editing techniques to make this possible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | November 20, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $746,895 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI187293-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022556 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with end-stage heart failure who are currently ineligible for heart transplantation due to the lack of available donor organs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart conditions that are not classified as end-stage or those who are not candidates for transplantation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new source of organs for heart transplantation by engineering pigs to produce human-compatible hearts. Using advanced gene editing techniques, specifically CRISPR/Cas9, the researchers aim to create pigs that can grow humanized hearts, addressing the critical shortage of donor organs for patients with end-stage heart failure. The project will explore the feasibility of using these genetically modified pigs as a platform for producing personalized human hearts, which could ultimately lead to improved transplant options for patients in need.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new source of transplantable hearts for patients suffering from end-stage heart disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using gene editing and animal models for organ development, indicating that this approach has potential, although it remains largely novel in the context of creating humanized hearts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garry, Daniel J. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Garry, Daniel J.
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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.