Enhancing heart repair using modified stem cells

Improving the efficacy of cell-based cardiac repair

NIH-funded research University of Nevada Las Vegas · NIH-11050988

This study is looking at how a special protein called Wnt11 can help stem cells better repair the heart after a heart attack, and it aims to find ways to use this knowledge to improve treatments for people like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nevada Las Vegas NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Las Vegas, United States)
Project IDNIH-11050988 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how modifying mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with a protein called Wnt11 can improve heart repair after a heart attack. The study will explore how Wnt11 affects the survival and retention of these stem cells in the heart, as well as their ability to promote healing and new blood vessel formation. Researchers will conduct experiments both in the lab and in a mouse model to understand the mechanisms behind these effects, with the goal of translating findings to human treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have experienced a myocardial infarction.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to cardiac health or those who are not eligible for stem cell therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for heart repair, improving recovery outcomes for patients who have suffered heart attacks.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches using modified stem cells for cardiac repair, indicating potential for success in this study.

Where this research is happening

Las Vegas, 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.