Research Grants Awarded

Reseach grants support Minnesota scientific and medical research that has the potential to translate to clinical advances in regenerative medicine. Grants typically open every September. Learn more about how to apply for a grant by reading our frequently asked questions. 

 

View research grants awarded by year.
Mei Bigliardi-Qi, PhD
Light induced circadian control of epithelial stem cell differentiation for skin regeneration
Skin stem cells are crucial for wound healing and play a key role in skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. These stem cells are…
2023 - 2025
Rory Smoot, MD
Androgen Receptor Blockade to Augment Liver Regeneration
A liver resection, or hepatectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove part of the liver. Post-hepatectomy liver failure is a major complication, with…
2024-2026
Nicole Shirkey-Son, PhD
Functional Correction of Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I (Hurler Syndrome) Using Genetically Modified Autologous Memory T Cells
This study aims to develop safer and more effective therapies for patients with a class of genetic diseases, called enzymopathies resulting from…
2024-2026
Sahar Saddoughi, MD, PhD
Use of Human Lung Exosomes to Prevent Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Lung Transplantation
This study aims to mitigate ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), a major cause of primary graft dysfunction in lung transplants, by using an FDA-…
2024-2026
Omar Gutierrez Ruiz, PhD
Optimized Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy for Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in Minnesota, yet current treatments for advanced CRC have low survival rates. This project…
2024-2026
Scott Riester, MD, PhD
Rotator Cuff Regeneration Using BMP5
Rotator cuff disease causes severe shoulder pain and limited arm movement. Current treatments offer temporary relief but do not regenerate damaged…
2024-2026
Erik Finger, MD, PhD
Cryopreservation of Pancreatic Islets to Achieve Diabetes Cure through Transplantation
Diabetes is a debilitating disease that has a tremendous impact on a person's health and wellbeing. Pancreatic islet transplantation offers a…
2024-2026
Bryce Beverlin II, PhD
Feasibility of Reducing Inflammation and Lung Injury to Regenerate Lung Tissue Using an Extracellular Biotherapeutic Aerosol in a Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe form of lung injury and a common cause of respiratory failure. Effective drug therapies that…
2024-2026
Daniel Saris, MD, PhD
A Novel Combined Allogeneic and Autologous Cell Therapy for Meniscus Tissue Repair
Despite advanced surgical techniques, meniscus repair remains a significant clinical challenge due to high failure rates and chronic disability among…
2024-2026
John Hulleman, PhD
Illuminating Elusive Proteins Associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the industrialized world. Although variants in two genes—ARMS2/HTRA1—are…
2024-2026
Marija Cvetanovic, PhD
Human Microglia Model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1)
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease with no disease modifying treatments or therapies available…
2024-2026
Zhe Chen, PhD
Reactivating Netrin1/DCC Signaling to Promote Optic Nerve Regeneration
Vision impairment that results from optic nerve damage, such as from glaucoma, poses a significant challenge to public health. To date, there are no…
2024-2026