Nanowired hypoimmunogenic heart organoids for repairing damaged hearts
Official title: Nanowired hypoimmunogenic hPSC cardiac organoids for heart repair
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-11337580 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests specially designed stem-cell–derived heart tissue that is engineered to be less likely to cause immune rejection when implanted to repair hearts after a heart attack.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $634,363 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL175050-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11337580 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients who have suffered a recent myocardial infarction and may benefit from regenerative heart therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-repairable heart damage or those unable to undergo implant procedures may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create nanowired heart organoids made from human stem cell–derived heart cells, supporting cells, and tiny conductive wires to help them integrate with the patient’s heart. The research will compare organoids with and without silicon nanowires in rats that have heart injury, looking at how well the tissue survives and improves heart function. By editing immune-related genes, researchers hope to reduce rejection after implantation and move closer to safe clinical use. The work combines cell biology, biomaterials, and genetic approaches to enable better repair after myocardial infarction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective heart repair therapies that integrate with the patient’s own tissue and minimize immune rejection.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier organoids showed engraftment and functional improvements in animal models, with nanowire–enhanced versions showing greater recovery.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mei, Ying — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Mei, Ying
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.