Using engineered heart tissue to repair damaged heart muscle
Official title: Electrically Conductive Stem Cell Derived MicroEngineered Heart Tissue for Regeneration of Injured Myocardium
Funded at Mayo Clinic Arizona · NIH-11063221 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to create heart tissue from stem cells that could help heal damage from heart attacks, making it easier for your heart to recover and work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $605,817 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL172784-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063221 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have experienced an acute myocardial infarction and are seeking new treatment options for heart regeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic heart conditions unrelated to acute myocardial infarction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of heart tissue made from stem cells that can help repair damage caused by heart attacks. The approach involves creating electrically conductive heart tissues that can better integrate with the body's existing heart muscle. By using advanced materials and techniques, the researchers aim to enhance the survival and function of heart cells, potentially leading to improved heart function for patients. The study will explore how these engineered tissues can promote healing and regeneration in the heart.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that restore heart function and improve the quality of life for patients with heart damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cell therapies for heart repair, but this specific approach utilizing engineered heart tissues is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Arizona
Scottsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Wuqiang — Mayo Clinic Arizona
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Wuqiang
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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.