Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Derived Vesicles to Help Traumatic Brain Injury
Official title: Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11381112 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to test a therapy made from stem-cell–derived vesicles given as an intranasal spray to improve brain function after traumatic brain injury in mice, focusing on both early and later treatment windows.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $577,508 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS106907-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381112 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is currently in animal studies, but the findings could pave the way for future human trials in TBI patients if safety and efficacy are demonstrated.
✕Less likely to help
If the treatment does not reduce neuroinflammation or improve neurogenesis, or if adverse effects occur, patients may not benefit.
What this research studies
This program studies whether tiny particles released by human stem cells can reduce brain inflammation and support brain healing after a traumatic injury. Researchers will deliver these vesicles through the nose to mice at different times after injury and measure cognitive and mood-related outcomes along with brain healing markers. They will also identify key miRNAs in the vesicles that drive anti-inflammatory effects and test vesicles loaded with specific miRNAs to enhance recovery in chronic phases. The goal is to determine if delayed or chronic-phase administration can still protect or restore brain function by dampening inflammatory pathways and promoting neurogenesis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a new, noninvasive therapy to reduce inflammation and improve recovery after traumatic brain injury.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed that intranasal hMSC-EVs improved brain function after TBI in mice, supporting potential benefits with this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shetty, Ashok K — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Shetty, Ashok K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-enhanced virtual reality tool to support remote emergency brain surgery training in Tanzania
A new AI-powered virtual reality tool helps non-experts in low-resource areas get real-time remote guidance for emergency traumatic brain injury surgery.
-
How head injury affects the heart and blood vessels
This project aims to find out whether traumatic brain injuries make people more likely to develop hardened arteries and heart problems, especially among veterans.
-
Neural targets for improving function in Veterans with alcohol use disorder and mild brain injury
This project tests a targeted brain-stimulation approach to help Veterans who have both alcohol use problems and mild traumatic brain injury improve daily functioning.
-
How head injuries affect the heart and blood vessels
This project is looking at whether past traumatic brain injuries cause changes in blood vessels and raise the risk of heart disease for people who have had head injuries.
-
Keeping oxygen in the injured brain after severe head trauma
This project uses a small brain oxygen monitor to guide ICU care for people with severe traumatic brain injury in hopes of improving recovery.
-
How head injuries affect Parkinson's over time
Researchers will follow people with Parkinson's disease to learn how past mild-to-moderate head injuries relate to thinking, mood, movement, brain changes, and quality of life.
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.