Using engineered stem cells to repair damaged heart tissue

Engineered Stem Cells for Cardiac Repair

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11047751

This study is exploring how special heart cells made from human stem cells can help heal heart damage after a heart attack, and they're looking at how boosting a certain molecule in these cells might make them even better at improving heart function in animals.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11047751 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells) as a potential treatment for heart damage caused by myocardial infarction (heart attack). The researchers have successfully differentiated these stem cells into cardiomyocytes that can integrate with existing heart tissue to improve heart function. They are investigating how enhancing the production of a specific nucleotide, dATP, in these engineered cells can further improve their effectiveness in repairing the heart. The study involves testing these cells in animal models to assess their impact on heart recovery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction and have impaired heart function.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who have not experienced a heart attack may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that significantly improve heart function in patients who have suffered heart attacks.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cells for cardiac repair, but this specific approach of enhancing dATP production in engineered cells is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

SEATTLE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.