Improving Muscle Repair with Stem Cells
Modulating the Stem Cell Niche Set Point to Improve Skeletal Muscle Regeneration
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11171540
This project explores how to make stem cells grow into stronger, more mature muscle cells to help people with muscle diseases.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11171540 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at using special stem cells, called human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), to help repair damaged muscles. While these stem cells can be guided to become muscle cells, they often don't fully mature like natural adult muscle cells. We want to understand how the environment around these stem cells, called the "niche," influences their development. By learning how to create the right environment, we hope to help these stem cells grow into fully functional muscle cells that can effectively regenerate muscle tissue, which could lead to better treatments for various muscle conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with skeletal muscle diseases who might benefit from future stem cell transplantation therapies are the target for this research.
Not a fit: Patients without skeletal muscle diseases or those not suitable for stem cell therapies would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new stem cell therapies that more effectively repair and regenerate damaged skeletal muscles in patients.
How similar studies have performed: While stem cell transplantation for muscle diseases is an appealing avenue, making hPSC-derived muscle cells functionally mature remains a challenge that this research aims to address.
Where this research is happening
IRVINE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE — IRVINE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HICKS, MICHAEL RYAN — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- Study coordinator: HICKS, MICHAEL RYAN
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.