Using bone marrow stem cells to improve islet transplant success for chronic pancreatitis patients
Autologous BM-MSCs and Islet Co-transplantation to Enhance Islet Survival and Function in TP-IAT Patients
This study is looking at whether using your own stem cells from bone marrow along with islet transplants can help improve the success and function of the islets for people who have had their pancreas removed due to chronic pancreatitis, with the hope of helping them manage their insulin levels better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11088266 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in combination with islet transplantation for patients undergoing total pancreatectomy due to chronic pancreatitis. The goal is to enhance the survival and function of transplanted islets, which are often poorly engrafted and dysfunctional after surgery. By co-transplanting BM-MSCs with islets, the study aims to improve patient outcomes and increase the likelihood of insulin independence. The approach is based on previous findings that MSCs can promote islet engraftment through direct contact and the secretion of protective growth factors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with chronic pancreatitis who are undergoing total pancreatectomy and are at risk of developing diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have chronic pancreatitis or those who are not candidates for total pancreatectomy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the success rates of islet transplantation, leading to better management of diabetes for patients with chronic pancreatitis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with the co-transplantation of MSCs and islets in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Hongjun — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Wang, Hongjun
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.