Using special cells and materials to improve blood flow in limbs affected by ischemia
Biomaterials for delivery and maintenance of tip endothelial cells
This study is looking at how special cells from human stem cells can help grow new blood vessels in people with critical limb ischemia, using a mouse model to see if these cells, combined with a special support material and a growth factor, can improve healing and blood flow in the affected limbs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, Merced NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Merced, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11046333 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of specific endothelial cells, known as tip endothelial cells, to enhance blood vessel formation in limbs suffering from critical limb ischemia (CLI). The approach involves deriving these cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells and testing their effectiveness in a mouse model of hind-limb ischemia. To improve cell survival after transplantation, the researchers will utilize specially designed collagen biomaterial scaffolds. Additionally, they will explore the delivery of placental growth factor mRNA to support the angiogenic properties of these cells, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients with severe limb ischemia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from critical limb ischemia who are at risk of limb loss.
Not a fit: Patients with non-ischemic limb conditions or those who do not have critical limb ischemia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve blood flow and quality of life for patients with critical limb ischemia.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of cell therapy for ischemia is being explored, the specific approach of using tip endothelial cells in conjunction with biomaterials is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Merced, United States
- University of California, Merced — Merced, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccloskey, Kara E — University of California, Merced
- Study coordinator: Mccloskey, Kara E
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 below.