Investigating how substances from naked mole rats can improve brain function in older adults
Official title: Targeting age-associated decline in brain function with the extracellular vesicle
Funded at Texas Tech University · NIH-10659201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how tiny particles from naked mole rats might help improve brain health in older adults, with the hope of finding new ways to support people as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lubbock, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $185,841 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG070656-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10659201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those at risk for or experiencing cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have any cognitive impairments or risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exosomes, which are tiny particles released by cells, from the naked mole rat can be used to enhance brain function in older adults. The study aims to isolate these exosomes from the naked mole rat's fibroblasts, which are known for their longevity and resistance to age-related diseases like Alzheimer's. By transferring these exosomes to mice, the researchers hope to modify aging-related conditions and improve overall brain health. This innovative approach leverages the unique biological traits of the naked mole rat to potentially benefit aging populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of exosomes in aging research is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in using similar methods to address age-related conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yim, Sun Hee — Texas Tech University
- Study coordinator: Yim, Sun Hee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Modulating YAP/TAZ signaling to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease
A study in mice and cell models tests a new drug-like compound to stop abnormal blood vessel cell movement and plaque buildup in the heart and arteries.
-
Designing fluorescent polymers to guide real-time medical imaging
A project at Texas Tech aims to create design rules that connect how fluorescent polymers are built to how they travel in the body, so imaging can be fast, safe, and informative for patients.
-
Additive-made wearable magnetic sensors for heart monitoring with AI
A wearable system using affordable, 3D-printed sensors and machine learning to help detect heart rhythm problems in people.
-
Understanding how cell surface receptors talk to each other in cancer and other diseases
Researchers are studying how cell surface receptors communicate on live cells to reveal new ways to target cancer and related conditions.
-
Glycemic control and frailty risk in older adults at risk for type 2 diabetes: how local heat therapy may help
Aging adults at risk for type 2 diabetes may benefit from a local heat therapy approach to improve blood sugar control and reduce frailty risk.
-
Multivalent protein on virus-like particles to protect against valley fever in older adults
A new vaccine approach using a recombinant protein displayed on tiny virus-like particles aims to boost protection against valley fever for people 65 and older.
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.