Using exosomes from engineered heart tissues to repair damaged hearts
Official title: Nanowired humam cardiac organoid derived exosomes for heart repair
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-11055371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how tiny particles called exosomes, which come from cells, can help heal heart damage from heart attacks by using special 3D models of heart cells, aiming to improve treatment for people with heart injuries.
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 | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $329,009 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168255-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055371 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced acute heart infarction or have heart failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic heart conditions unrelated to acute infarction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of exosomes, which are tiny particles released by cells, to treat heart damage caused by acute infarction. By creating 3D cultures of human heart cells, the researchers aim to enhance the production of these exosomes, which carry important signals that can help repair heart tissue. The study focuses on developing nanowired human cardiac organoids that mimic heart tissue more closely than traditional 2D cultures, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients with heart injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve heart repair and recovery for patients suffering from heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using exosome therapies for heart repair, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in cardiac treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mei, Ying — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Mei, Ying
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Tissue Structure and Nerve Changes in the Sacroiliac Joint
Researchers are studying how the sacroiliac joint contributes to low back pain by looking at its tissue structure and nerve-related changes.
-
Regulation of Cryptosporidium Development in Kids and Communities
Scientists are studying how Cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes severe diarrhea from dirty water, develops, with the goal of finding new treatments for people who get sick.
-
ATTRACT: How jaw shape and movement affect jaw joint health in adults with jaw misalignment
This project studies how the shape and movement of the jawbone in adults with Class II or III jaw misalignment relate to the health and mechanics of the jaw joint.
-
Noninvasive nanoparticle therapy for the peripheral nervous system
Aimed at improving delivery of non-invasive treatments to injured nerves, this grant funds equipment to study how nanoparticles can cross the blood-nerve barrier and support nerve repair.
-
Health Extension for Diabetes: Connecting Community and Clinic
A community-clinical program aims to improve diabetes care by linking local health resources with clinical services over a two-year period.
-
Ice-free Preservation and Nanowarming for Viable Meniscal Transplants
Aimed at helping people with serious knee meniscus damage by improving how donor meniscal tissue is preserved so it stays alive longer.
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.