Helping small bypass grafts grow a natural blood-vessel lining
Transcriptomics of adherent endothelial cells for improved endothelialization of small-diameter vascular grafts
This project uses gene-activity patterns in blood-vessel cells to help small-diameter bypass grafts develop a natural endothelial lining for people needing coronary or peripheral artery bypass.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262273 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are reading gene-activity patterns of endothelial cells that stick to graft materials to learn how to encourage a stable, blood-contacting lining. They will combine laboratory molecular profiling with experiments on graft materials and animal models to identify signals that help endothelial cells attach, survive, and form a functioning layer. The team aims to make small-diameter synthetic grafts behave more like natural vessels so they remain open without relying on harvested veins or long-term blood thinners. Findings could guide new graft coatings or cell-based treatments for people who need small-vessel bypass surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who need small-diameter vascular grafts—such as coronary artery bypass or small peripheral artery bypass—especially those without suitable veins for harvest.
Not a fit: Those not undergoing bypass surgery, people who require large-diameter grafts, or patients managed with non-surgical therapies are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could produce grafts that stay open longer, reducing the need for vein harvest and prolonged anticoagulation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cell-seeding and endothelialization efforts have shown promise in lab and animal tests, but small-diameter synthetic grafts still often fail, so this work builds on mixed prior success.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tefft, Brandon J — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Tefft, Brandon J
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.