How stem-cell-derived blood-vessel cells help repair muscle
Study the mechanisms of interaction between hiPSC-derived endothelial (ECs) and skeletal myogenic progenitor cells (MPCs) in vitro and in vivo
This project looks at whether blood-vessel cells made from stem cells can help muscle stem cells survive and rebuild damaged muscle for people with muscle disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176240 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will make both blood-vessel endothelial cells and muscle progenitor cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells and grow them together in lab dishes to observe their interactions. They will analyze the molecular signals endothelial cells send that might support muscle cell survival, growth, and maturation. The team will also test the combined cells in living models to see if they form new blood vessels, improve circulation, and help transplanted muscle cells engraft and repair damaged tissue. Results will inform whether this combined cell approach could move toward future patient therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with genetic or acquired skeletal muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy or severe muscle loss after injury, who are interested in future cell-based therapies or donating samples for research.
Not a fit: Patients without muscle disease or those with severe comorbidities that make cell therapies unsafe are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve survival and engraftment of transplanted muscle cells and lead to better muscle repair for people with degenerative or injured muscle.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies using primary endothelial and muscle progenitor cells have shown improved muscle regeneration, but combining hiPSC-derived endothelial cells with hiPSC-derived muscle progenitors is relatively new and still early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Darabi, Radbod — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Darabi, Radbod
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.