Research & Publications
A curated selection of peer-reviewed studies documenting MUSE cell biology, mechanism of action, and therapeutic potential across multiple conditions.
178+
Peer-reviewed records
6
Published Phase 1/2 readouts
5
Active trials in preparation
This page presents published peer-reviewed research for educational purposes. Links open PubMed or the publisher's site. This site has no affiliation with any research institution, pharmaceutical company, or clinical provider.
Studies establishing the identity, isolation, and core properties of MUSE cells.
Kuroda Y et al.·Proc Natl Acad Sci USA·107(19):8639–44
The landmark paper identifying MUSE cells as a distinct, naturally occurring pluripotent stem cell population in adult human mesenchymal tissues.
Wakao S, Kitada M, Kuroda Y et al.·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·108(24):9875–80
Demonstrated that MUSE cells, not bulk fibroblasts, are the primary source of iPSC generation, revealing their innate pluripotency.
Wakao S, Akashi H, Kushida Y, Dezawa M·Pathology International·64(1):1–9
Characterized the tissue distribution of MUSE cells and confirmed their non-tumorigenic pluripotency across multiple human mesenchymal tissue sources.
Kuroda Y, Oguma Y, Hall K, Dezawa M·Frontiers in Pharmacology·13:1027961
Described the unique immune privilege properties of MUSE cells that allow allogeneic administration without immunosuppression, opening the door to off-the-shelf therapy.
Preclinical and clinical research on MUSE cells for stroke, ALS, spinal cord injury, and neonatal brain injury.
Uchida H, Morita T, Niizuma K et al.·Stem Cells·34(1):160–73
Showed that transplanted MUSE cells differentiated robustly into neurons in a stroke model, reducing infarct size and improving functional recovery.
Uchida H, Niizuma K, Kushida Y et al.·Stroke·48(2):428–435
Demonstrated that intravenously delivered MUSE cells reconstructed neuronal circuitry and improved motor deficits in a lacunar stroke model.
Yamashita T, Kushida Y, Wakao S et al.·Scientific Reports·10(1):17102
Preclinical study showing MUSE cell therapy extended survival and preserved motor neuron populations in an ALS mouse model.
Yamashita T, Nakano Y, Sasaki R et al.·Cell Transplantation·32:9636897231214370
Phase 2 clinical trial reporting acceptable safety and signals of slowed disease progression in ALS patients treated with the MUSE cell product CL2020.
Niizuma K, Osawa S, Endo H et al.·Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·43(12):2029–2039
Phase 2 RCT demonstrating safety and neurological improvement in subacute ischemic stroke patients receiving intravenous allogeneic MUSE cells.
Koda M, Imagama S, Nakashima H et al.·Stem Cell Research & Therapy·15(1):259
Phase 1 clinical trial establishing safety and feasibility of a single intravenous dose of allogeneic MUSE cells in cervical spinal cord injury patients.
Research on MUSE cell therapy for heart attack, heart failure, and vascular repair.
Yamada Y, Wakao S, Kushida Y et al.·Circulation Research·122(8):1069–1083
Identified the S1P–S1PR2 signaling axis as the mechanism by which MUSE cells home to infarcted myocardium and achieve durable cardiac repair.
Noda T, Nishigaki K, Minatoguchi S·Circulation Journal·84(7):1189–1192
First-in-human Phase 1 trial reporting safety and preliminary efficacy of MUSE cell therapy in acute myocardial infarction patients.
Yamada Y, Minatoguchi S, Baba S et al.·PLOS ONE·17(3):e0265347
Large-animal study confirming that MUSE cells reduce infarct size and improve ejection fraction without proarrhythmic effects in a swine MI model.
Clinical and preclinical research on MUSE cells for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
Suzuki T, Sato Y, Kushida Y et al.·Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism·41(7):1707–1720
Demonstrated that IV MUSE cells reduced excitotoxic glutamate levels and neuroinflammation in a neonatal HIE model, supporting neuroprotective mechanisms.
Sato Y, Shimizu S, Ueda K et al.·Stem Cells Translational Medicine·13(11):1053–1066
Phase 1 dose-escalation SHIELD trial establishing safety and tolerability of CL2020 MUSE cell therapy as an adjunct to hypothermia in neonatal HIE.
From bench to bedside
Six published Phase 1/2 readouts form the completed human-evidence base from the LSI/CL2020 era. Additional trials are advancing across the US, UAE, and Germany.
Further Reading
The studies listed on this page are published in peer-reviewed journals and are linked via PubMed and their DOI. Summaries are written for educational clarity and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.