Tiny engineered particles carrying mitochondria and protective protein to shield the brain’s blood vessels after stroke
Engineered extracellular vesicles for the delivery of mitochondria and therapeutic proteins to the BBB
Engineered microvesicles carrying healthy mitochondria and a protective protein (HSP27) aim to protect the blood-brain barrier after ischemic stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11383231 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses tiny particles called microvesicles that are engineered to carry healthy mitochondria plus a protective 27 kDa heat shock protein (HSP27) to brain endothelial cells. Researchers will deliver these microvesicles in a mouse model that mimics transient ischemic stroke and then check whether the blood-brain barrier, cell survival, and tight junction proteins are preserved. They will measure blood-brain barrier function, examine tissue for signs of injury and actin/tight-junction changes, and test neurological outcomes in the animals. This is preclinical work in mice that could lead to human trials if results are promising.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who recently experienced an ischemic stroke and are at risk for blood-brain barrier breakdown would be the most likely candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: People with hemorrhagic stroke, long-standing chronic brain injuries, or unrelated neurological conditions are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could preserve the blood-brain barrier after stroke, reducing brain injury and improving recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies show HSP27 expression and extracellular vesicle–mediated mitochondrial transfer can protect blood vessels and reduce injury, but co-delivery of mitochondria plus HSP27 is a newer combination largely untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soundara Manickam, Devika — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Soundara Manickam, Devika
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.