# Tissue engineering to regenerate functional vocal fold after scarring or tissue loss

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · 2022 · $724,419

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Patients suffering loss of the larynx’s vocal fold cover due to trauma or laryngeal cancer
can suffer disabling voice difficulties, and treatment options are limited. An implantable
vibrating replacement tissue would revolutionize the treatment of laryngeal disorders.
The work described in this proposal optimizes a Cell-based Outer Vocal fold
Replacement (COVR) developed by this laboratory, identifies its functions in an animal
model, and defines its potential clinical applications. Adult human stem cells isolated
from adipose tissue are cultured within fibrin hydrogel to produce a three-dimensional
tissue substitute suitable for vocal fold implantation.
Preliminary work has developed and implanted the COVR in rabbits, finding excellent
vibrational function. This work plans the systematic study of critical questions remaining
for vocal fold replacement. Host interactions with implanted cells and matrix will be
defined. Influence of pre-existing scar environment and sex will be assessed.
Extracellular matrix regeneration will be promoted and mechanical behavior quantified.
Successful completion of the proposed research will advance a tissue-engineered vocal
fold towards human translation. This work will define suitable clinical scenarios (existing
scar versus fresh tissue resection), maximize tissue mimicry of normal vocal folds, and
identify mechanisms by which the COVR improves vocal fold wound healing relative to
controls. The animal studies in this proposal will provide necessary information to
proceed with formal pre-clinical trials.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10454183
- **Project number:** 5R01DC016959-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- **Principal Investigator:** Jennifer L Long
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $724,419
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-08-01 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10454183

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10454183, Tissue engineering to regenerate functional vocal fold after scarring or tissue loss (5R01DC016959-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10454183. Licensed CC0.

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