Using stem cells to create new blood vessel cells for lung diseases
Official title: Endothelial cell-based therapy for pulmonary vascular disease using induced pluripotent stem cells
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11077353 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new treatment for pulmonary hypertension by using special stem cells from patients to create healthy blood vessel cells that can be safely put back into the body, helping improve lung function without the need for long-term medication.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 20, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $167,940 |
| NIH project number | 5K08HL173561-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11077353 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with pulmonary vascular diseases, particularly those with genetic mutations affecting endothelial cell function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pulmonary vascular diseases not caused by endothelial cell dysfunction or those who do not have suitable genetic profiles may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new therapy for pulmonary vascular diseases, particularly pulmonary hypertension, by using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from patients. The approach involves correcting gene mutations in these stem cells and differentiating them into healthy endothelial cells, which are crucial for proper blood vessel function. The goal is to create a supply of healthy cells that can be transplanted back into patients without the need for lifelong immunosuppression. The research also explores how specific signaling pathways can enhance the effectiveness of these transplanted cells in the lungs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking treatment option for patients suffering from pulmonary vascular diseases, potentially improving their quality of life and survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using stem cell therapies for vascular diseases, indicating that this approach could be a viable and innovative treatment option.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holtz, Alexander Matthew — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Holtz, Alexander Matthew
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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.