Improving umbilical cord blood stem cells
Omics interrogation of functionally competent hematopoieitic stem cells
Researchers use advanced molecular tests and lab models to find ways to make cord blood stem cells stronger and more useful for people who need blood or marrow transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237186 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project examines umbilical cord blood stem cells using 'omics' (large-scale genetic and molecular) analyses to find features of functionally strong stem cells. Scientists will combine cell biology and biochemistry experiments with mouse transplant models to test ways to boost stem cell function or increase usable cell numbers. The aim is to discover treatments or processing steps that make single cord blood units more effective for hematopoietic cell transplantation. Successful findings would guide future clinical trials and new therapies to help transplant patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who need hematopoietic cell transplantation for blood cancers, bone marrow failure, or other serious blood disorders would be the likely candidates for therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to blood or bone marrow disorders would not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could increase the number and quality of stem cells in cord blood units, making transplants safer and more available.
How similar studies have performed: Some laboratory and early clinical efforts have shown ways to expand or improve stem cells, but using omics-driven approaches to deliver consistent clinical benefits remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ropa, James Patrick — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Ropa, James Patrick
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.