Using engineered heart cells to repair damaged hearts
Official title: Nanowired hypoimmunogenic hPSC cardiac organoids for heart repair
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-11099948 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help heal heart damage from heart attacks by creating tiny heart-like structures from your own cells, which could lead to better treatments that work well with your body.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $647,308 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL175050-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099948 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have suffered from myocardial infarction or other forms of heart damage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who do not have significant heart damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative cardiac organoids made from human pluripotent stem cell-derived heart cells to treat heart damage caused by conditions like heart attacks. The approach involves creating these organoids with special nanowires to enhance their integration and function when implanted in the heart. By modifying the cells to reduce immune rejection, the goal is to improve the success of heart repair therapies. Patients may benefit from a more effective treatment option for heart repair that utilizes their own cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking method for repairing damaged heart tissue, potentially improving recovery outcomes for heart attack patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using stem cell-derived therapies for heart repair, indicating a potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mei, Ying — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Mei, Ying
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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.