Heart cell signals that help blood vessel regrowth after a heart attack

Project 1

['FUNDING_P01'] · TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH · NIH-11098642

This work looks at whether tiny particles released by injured heart muscle cells help blood vessel cells and bone marrow repair cells restore circulation after a heart attack for people who had an MI.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_P01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorTEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11098642 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

After a heart attack, the small vessels around heart muscle can break down and the heart can suffer further damage; this project focuses on how heart muscle cells and blood-vessel cells talk to each other during repair. Researchers collect tiny particles called exosomes released by stressed heart cells and study how those particles affect blood-vessel cells and bone marrow–derived endothelial precursor cells in lab dishes and animal models. They analyze the molecular cargo inside exosomes to find signals that boost or block new vessel growth and test whether changing those signals improves blood flow and limits heart injury. The goal is to find signals or approaches that could ultimately help people heal better after a heart attack.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People who have recently had an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) or survivors willing to provide blood or tissue samples would be the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: People with non-ischemic heart conditions, very advanced chronic heart failure, or those unwilling to give samples or travel for visits may not directly benefit from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new ways to encourage blood vessel regrowth after a heart attack, reduce heart muscle damage, and lower the chance of progressing to heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: Early animal and cell studies of exosome-based signaling and bone marrow repair cells have shown promise for improving vessel growth, but benefits in people are not yet proven.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.