Donor spinal bone stem cells to help preserve legs in diabetic artery disease
Human Vertebral Body Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Organ Donors For Limb Preservation in a Murine Model of Diabetic Hindlimb Ischemia
Looks at whether donor spinal bone stem cells packaged in a protective gel could boost blood flow and help muscles heal in people with diabetes who have severe blocked leg arteries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235135 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The researchers take mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells from the vertebral bones of organ donors and encapsulate them in an alginate hydrogel to protect the cells. They deliver these human cells into a mouse model of diabetic hindlimb ischemia to see if the cells improve limb blood flow and muscle recovery. The work compares novel vertebral bone–adherent MSCs and encapsulated cells to unprotected cells to find the most effective preparation. Results will guide development of a cell-based therapy aimed at preventing amputations in diabetic patients with critical limb-threatening ischemia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with diabetes and advanced peripheral arterial disease or critical limb-threatening ischemia who are at high risk for amputation would be the eventual intended candidates for this therapy.
Not a fit: People without diabetes or with mild peripheral artery disease not at risk for limb loss are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a new cell therapy that improves blood flow, preserves muscle, and lowers the need for leg amputation in people with diabetic critical limb-threatening ischemia.
How similar studies have performed: Prior early-phase work showed donor bone marrow–derived MSCs can stimulate angiogenesis in ischemic muscle while autologous bone marrow cell approaches did not prevent amputations in diabetics, and the encapsulated vertebral MSC approach is a newer, less-tested advance.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murphy, Michael Patrick — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Murphy, Michael Patrick
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.