Modified stem cells to improve peripheral nerve healing
Stem Cell Surface Modification to Promote Nerve Regeneration
Researchers are using specially modified stem cells from fat tissue to help repair damaged peripheral nerves in people with large nerve gaps.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11300987 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team takes human fat-derived stem cells and changes the sugars on their outer surface using metabolic glycoengineering so the cells stick better and become nerve-supporting cells. They will screen and optimize thiolated sugar analogs (ManNAc variants) in lab dishes to find formulations that boost adhesion, growth, and nerve-like differentiation. The best-modified cells will be used in nerve-repair models to see if they improve bridging of critical-sized nerve gaps after surgical repair. The researchers will also study the molecular reasons these surface changes improve regeneration to guide future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with peripheral nerve injuries involving large nerve gaps or poor recovery after nerve repair are the most relevant candidates for this line of work.
Not a fit: Patients with central nervous system injuries (for example stroke or spinal cord injury) or minor nerve bruises that typically heal on their own are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to stem-cell-based treatments that improve reconnection of damaged peripheral nerves and recovery of movement and feeling.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies suggest stem cells can aid nerve repair but clinical benefits have been limited, and surface glycoengineering is a newer, mainly preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jia, Xiaofeng — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Jia, Xiaofeng
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.