Improving engineered heart tissue for better cardiac models
Maturation Strategies for Engineered Human Cardiac Microtissues
['FUNDING_R15'] · UNIVERSITY OF AKRON · NIH-10795236
This study is exploring new ways to grow heart cells in a lab that better mimic how they work in the real heart, which could help researchers understand heart diseases and test new treatments more effectively.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R15'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF AKRON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AKRON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10795236 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced techniques to enhance the maturation of engineered cardiac microtissues made from heart cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. By creating a three-dimensional tissue model that mimics the natural heart environment, the project aims to overcome the limitations of traditional two-dimensional cell cultures. The researchers will investigate how the interaction between these engineered tissues and a vascularized extracellular matrix can improve the functionality and maturity of heart cells. This approach could lead to more accurate models for studying heart diseases and testing new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are affected by cardiovascular diseases.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiovascular conditions or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for heart diseases by providing better models for drug testing and disease understanding.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using engineered tissues for studying heart conditions, but this specific approach is innovative and aims to address existing limitations.
Where this research is happening
AKRON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF AKRON — AKRON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHANG, GE — UNIVERSITY OF AKRON
- Study coordinator: ZHANG, GE
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.
Conditions: cardiovascular disorder, Cardiovascular Diseases