Using stem cells from organ donors to help prevent limb loss in diabetic patients
Official title: Human Vertebral Body Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Organ Donors For Limb Preservation in a Murine Model of Diabetic Hindlimb Ischemia
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11005210 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special cells from organ donors can help improve blood flow and muscle function in diabetic patients with serious leg problems, aiming to prevent amputations and promote healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | January 5, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $459,152 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL171277-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005210 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are diabetic patients diagnosed with critical limb threatening ischemia who are at high risk of amputation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have diabetes or those with non-ischemic limb conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of human vertebral body mesenchymal stromal cells (BMD-MSC) derived from organ donors to treat critical limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) in diabetic patients. The approach focuses on enhancing blood flow and muscle function in the affected limbs through advanced cell-based therapies. By encapsulating these stem cells in alginate hydrogels, the study aims to improve their effectiveness and longevity in the body, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients at risk of amputation. The research builds on previous findings that suggest these cells can stimulate angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels, which is crucial for healing in ischemic conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the need for amputations and improve the quality of life for diabetic patients suffering from severe limb ischemia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells for similar applications, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murphy, Michael Patrick — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Murphy, Michael Patrick
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.