Understanding how stem cell particles help the brain heal after injury in older individuals
Mechanisms underlying extracellular vesicle mediated changes in inflammation, neural circuitry and plasticity following cortical injury in aged monkeys
This research explores how tiny particles from stem cells might help older brains recover from injuries like stroke or head trauma, and conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129814 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When older brains experience injuries such as stroke or head trauma, or conditions like Alzheimer's disease, it often leads to lasting problems with thinking and movement. We are looking into whether special particles released by stem cells, called extracellular vesicles (EVs), can help the brain heal and recover. Previous work suggests these EVs can reduce inflammation and repair damaged brain tissue, leading to faster recovery of motor skills. This project aims to uncover the exact ways these EVs work in the brain, both soon after injury and over the long term.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not currently recruiting patients, but it is relevant to individuals experiencing cognitive and motor deficits due to stroke, head injury, or Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients without brain injuries or neurodegenerative conditions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that use stem cell particles to improve recovery and reduce long-term deficits for people with brain injuries or neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that these stem cell-derived particles can accelerate and enhance recovery of motor function in aged monkeys following cortical injury.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moore, Tara L — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Moore, Tara L
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.