Netrin-1 to expand and strengthen blood-forming stem cells
Netrin-1 promotes the expansion and function of human hematopoietic stem cells by supporting a pro-hematopoietic vascular niche
This project uses a protein called netrin-1 to grow more healthy blood-forming stem cells for adults who need stem cell transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261735 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers take human blood-forming stem cells and grow them outside the body in a lab environment that mimics the normal blood-vessel niche, adding netrin-1 to encourage expansion while keeping the cells functional. The team has developed a vascular niche platform for ex vivo HSC expansion and plans to scale that method so more donor cells are available and recovery after transplant is faster. This work builds on a recently completed Phase I trial (NCT03483324) showing the approach is feasible and now seeks to improve and validate the process. The ultimate aim is to reduce time with low blood counts, lower infection and bleeding risks, and shorten hospital stays after transplant.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (21+) who need or donate hematopoietic stem cell transplants for blood or bone marrow disorders and who can provide or receive cells processed at the study site.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing or eligible for stem cell transplantation, pediatric patients, or those with conditions unrelated to blood-forming stem cells are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could increase the number of usable donor stem cells, speed recovery after transplant, and reduce infections, bleeding, and hospital time for transplant patients.
How similar studies have performed: A Phase I clinical trial (NCT03483324) has already tested this ex vivo expansion platform and showed feasibility, but further work is needed to confirm broader clinical benefit.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butler, Jason Mathew — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Butler, Jason Mathew
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.