How cell metabolism controls exosome production

Metabolic regulation of exosome biogenesis

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11162386

This work looks at how changing cell metabolism affects the number and contents of exosomes—tiny packages cells release that can carry signals or therapies—and how that could help people with acquired brain injury.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11162386 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers will change nutrient and NAD levels in cells to see how those shifts affect how many exosomes cells release and what molecules they carry. They will develop a method to sort and analyze single exosomes so they can identify which carry specific therapeutic or diagnostic cargo. The team will study exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells and from biofluids like blood to link metabolic states with exosome markers relevant to brain injury. Results are intended to guide better ways to produce therapeutic exosomes and to develop blood-based markers for monitoring brain injury.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with acquired brain injury (for example traumatic brain injury or stroke) who can provide blood or urine samples and consent to sample use would be the most likely candidates to contribute data or samples.

Not a fit: People without brain injury or those needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive any direct clinical benefit from this lab-focused research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better blood tests for brain injury and improved methods to make therapeutic exosomes for repair and immune regulation.

How similar studies have performed: Some early clinical trials have tested MSC-derived exosomes for brain repair, but controlling exosome production and cargo is still a novel and developing area.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.