Understanding how MSC extracellular vesicles help brain recovery after injury
Official title: Defining the mechanisms of MSC extracellular vesicle modulation of microglia metabolism and bioenergetics in traumatic brain injury recovery
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-10719905 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles from special cells can help brain cells recover and work better after a brain injury, with the hope of finding new ways to support healing and protect the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $509,254 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS133739-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10719905 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury and are seeking innovative therapeutic options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-traumatic brain injuries or those who do not have significant neuroinflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can influence the metabolism and energy production of microglia, which are crucial for brain recovery following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aims to identify new strategies to modulate the immune response in the brain, focusing on the role of these vesicles in protecting the blood-brain barrier and promoting a healing environment. By examining the interactions between MSC-EVs and microglia, the research seeks to develop innovative therapies that could enhance recovery from TBI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve recovery outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using MSC-derived extracellular vesicles for various therapeutic applications, indicating potential success for this novel approach in TBI recovery.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: West, Franklin D — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: West, Franklin D
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.