NIH-funded research R21 grant

New technology to study bladder function and disorders

Official title: Precision-cut bladder slices: an enabling technology for urologic research

Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-10785220 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at tiny slices of bladder tissue to learn how bladder muscles work in both healthy and sick people, with the hope of finding better treatments for bladder problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Children's Hospital
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 20, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$337,284
NIH project number1R21DK138394-01
Project IDNIH-10785220 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with bladder disorders, as well as healthy volunteers for comparative analysis.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to bladder function or those who are not eligible for tissue sampling may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing precision-cut bladder slices to better understand how bladder muscles function in both healthy and diseased states. By creating thin slices of bladder tissue, researchers can analyze how these tissues contract and relax, as well as their stiffness, in a way that closely mimics the natural environment of the bladder. This innovative approach aims to provide insights that could lead to improved treatments for bladder disorders. The research will involve both healthy and diseased human bladder tissues, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of bladder function.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for bladder disorders, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar precision-cut tissue slice technology has shown success in other organs, indicating potential for this novel approach in bladder research.

Where this research is happening

  • Boston Children's Hospital
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Adam, Rosalyn M — Boston Children's Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Adam, Rosalyn M

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.