Nasal stem cell particles to support memory in aging
Neural Stem Cell-derived EVs for Improving Aged Brain Function
Trying a nasal treatment made from tiny particles from human neural stem cells to help protect memory and thinking in older adults.
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 ID | NIH-11311272 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are producing extracellular vesicles (EVs) — tiny messenger particles — from human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived neural stem cells and delivering them through the nose. They will test this approach in aging mice to measure effects on memory and thinking and to track EV uptake by brain cells like neurons and microglia. Laboratory analyses (RNA‑seq and proteomics) will detail the EV cargo and examine changes in inflammation, cellular energy pathways (AMPK/mTOR), autophagy, and new neuron growth. The project aims to determine whether early or later intranasal dosing can maintain or improve cognition using a non‑invasive treatment that could be developed for people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Future candidates would likely be older adults with age-related memory decline or mild cognitive impairment who are otherwise medically stable.
Not a fit: People with advanced dementia, memory loss from non-age-related causes, or those who cannot receive biologic nasal treatments are less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a non-surgical, non-drug nasal therapy that preserves or improves memory and thinking in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Related animal studies of stem-cell-derived EVs delivered intranasally have shown encouraging results, but human testing is still very limited.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- 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
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 below.