Improving artificial blood vessels using stem cells
Official title: Preclinical Optimization and Design for Manufacturability of Immunoregulatory TEVGs
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11040123 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating new artificial blood vessels that use special cells to help them heal better and fit into your body, with the hope of offering a safer option for people who need surgery to bypass blocked arteries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 18, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $369,178 |
| NIH project number | 1R33HL177449-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040123 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals requiring arterial bypass surgery who may benefit from improved graft options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require arterial bypass surgery or have contraindications for vascular grafts may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced artificial blood vessels, known as tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs), that utilize the regenerative properties of stem cells. The team aims to enhance these grafts by incorporating factors secreted by mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) to improve healing and integration within the body. Through a series of laboratory tests, they will evaluate the effectiveness of these grafts in promoting new blood vessel formation and reducing complications. The ultimate goal is to prepare these grafts for clinical use, potentially offering a new option for patients needing arterial bypass surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with safer and more effective alternatives to traditional vein or artery grafts for bypass surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cells for vascular grafts, indicating potential for success in this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vorp, David Alan — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Vorp, David Alan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Elastomeric membranes for safer pelvic organ prolapse repair
A new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane made from polycarbonate urethane is being tested to replace stiff polypropylene meshes for pelvic organ prolapse in women, aiming to reduce complications.
-
Role of hyaluronan in egg development and ovarian reserve
This grant studies how the hyaluronan matrix in the ovary affects the aging of the female reproductive system and the pool of eggs available.
-
Regulatory switches that control imprinting in early human development
This grant studies how certain genes stay “one-copy” active in early development and what goes wrong in assisted reproduction, with a focus on imprinting disorders.
-
Identifying molecular signs of imprinting errors linked to fertility treatments
This grant studies how assisted reproductive technologies may cause imprinting errors in embryos and how these errors relate to certain birth conditions, with implications for families using infertility treatments.
-
Bioadhesive vaginal film for 7-day protection against HIV, HSV, and pregnancy
A vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies to prevent HIV, HSV, and unintended pregnancy for about a week from a single use.
-
Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and culture in patients
Researchers are testing a way to transplant or grow sperm-producing cells back in boys and men who stored tissue before cancer treatment, to help them have biological children in the future.
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.