Generating specialized cells for blood vessel development
Official title: A Novel Transcription Factor-Driven Approach for Mural Progenitor Cells Generation
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11085071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to turn special stem cells into important cells that help keep our blood vessels healthy, which could lead to better treatments for blood vessel problems and help with healing and repairing tissues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 7, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $574,306 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL172968-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions related to vascular abnormalities or those interested in regenerative therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable vascular health or those not affected by blood vessel disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating mural progenitor cells, which are essential for the development and stability of blood vessels. By utilizing human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the researchers aim to develop a method that allows for the precise differentiation of these cells using specific transcription factors. This approach could lead to new therapies for vascular disorders and improve tissue repair and regenerative medicine. The study will explore how these progenitor cells can mature into fully functional mural cells, which play a critical role in blood vessel health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for patients with vascular disorders and enhance regenerative medicine techniques.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in generating vascular cells from iPSCs using transcription factors, indicating a promising avenue for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Melero-Martin, Juan M — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Melero-Martin, Juan M
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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.