Using physical cues to improve the structure of heart organoids
Official title: Harnessing biophysical cues to spatially organize developing cardiac organoids
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10998320 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how changing the stiffness and shape of materials can help create better mini heart models, which could lead to new ways to understand and treat heart diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 1F32HL176176-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998320 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with cardiovascular genetic disorders or those interested in advancements in heart disease treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiovascular conditions or those not affected by genetic heart disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how physical properties of materials can enhance the development of 3D heart organoids, which are miniature models of the heart. By manipulating the stiffness and shape of the materials that support stem cells, the researchers aim to create more accurate models that better mimic the natural development of heart tissue. This approach could lead to improved understanding and treatment of cardiovascular diseases by providing a more realistic environment for studying heart cell behavior and organization.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for cardiovascular diseases by providing better models for drug testing and disease modeling.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using 3D organoid models for various diseases, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in cardiovascular research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Molley, Thomas Gregory — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Molley, Thomas Gregory
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.