Investigating the role of exosomes in brain diseases using brain organoids
Official title: Exploring exosomes in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases using brain organoids
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10741385 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny particles called exosomes that help brain cells talk to each other, to see how they might be linked to conditions like Autism and Alzheimer's, using small lab-grown brain models to compare healthy brains with those affected by these disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $463,931 |
| NIH project number | 1R21MH131985-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10741385 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Alzheimer's Disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurodevelopmental or psychiatric disorders not related to exosome signaling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how exosomes, which are tiny vesicles that facilitate communication between brain cells, may be involved in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases. By using brain organoids, which are lab-grown miniaturized versions of the brain, researchers will analyze the content and quantity of exosomes from both healthy individuals and those with conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder and Alzheimer's Disease. The study aims to uncover how changes in exosome signaling could contribute to these disorders, potentially leading to new insights into their mechanisms and treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new diagnostic tools or therapies for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of exosomes in neurodegenerative diseases has been studied, this specific approach using brain organoids to explore their impact on mental disorders is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colak, Dilek — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Colak, Dilek
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.