Using engineered heart tissues to improve recovery after heart attacks
Official title: Nanowired human isogenic cardiac organoids to treat acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injuries
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-10897061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people recover from heart attacks by creating tiny heart tissues made from human cells that can be transplanted into damaged hearts to improve their function and healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $366,093 |
| NIH project number | 5U01HL169361-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897061 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have suffered from acute myocardial infarction and have limited options for recovery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic heart conditions unrelated to ischemia or those who are not candidates for heart transplantation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced heart tissues made from human cells to treat patients who have suffered from heart attacks. The approach involves creating nanowired cardiac organoids that combine heart muscle cells with supportive cells and materials to enhance their survival and function when transplanted into damaged hearts. By improving the electrical and structural properties of these organoids, the research aims to facilitate better integration with the patient's heart and promote recovery. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of these organoids in restoring heart function in preclinical models before considering clinical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery and heart function for patients who have experienced myocardial infarctions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using stem cell-derived therapies for heart repair, but the specific approach of using nanowired organoids is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mei, Ying — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Mei, Ying
Related research
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Exploring the use of a protein to improve heart recovery after injury.
This study is looking at how a small protein called ubiquitin might help the heart heal better after it's been damaged from not getting enough blood, like during a heart attack, by reducing inflammation and scarring.
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.