Using engineered microvesicles to protect the blood-brain barrier after a stroke
Official title: Engineered extracellular vesicles for the delivery of mitochondria and therapeutic proteins to the BBB
Funded at Duquesne University · NIH-11049447 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help protect the brain's blood barrier after a stroke by using tiny particles to deliver important materials to brain cells, which could improve recovery for stroke patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duquesne University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | December 23, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $377,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS136752-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049447 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have suffered an ischemic stroke and are experiencing complications related to blood-brain barrier dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a stroke or have other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of engineered microvesicles to deliver mitochondria and a specific protein to brain endothelial cells, aiming to protect the blood-brain barrier (BBB) after a stroke. By enhancing the survival of these cells and maintaining the integrity of tight junctions, the study seeks to improve outcomes for patients who have suffered from ischemic brain injuries. The approach involves testing these microvesicles in a mouse model to assess their effectiveness in preventing BBB disruption and promoting recovery. If successful, this could lead to new therapeutic strategies for stroke patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery and outcomes for patients who have experienced a stroke by protecting the blood-brain barrier.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using engineered microvesicles is innovative, similar strategies targeting the blood-brain barrier have shown promise in preliminary studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soundara Manickam, Devika — Duquesne University
- Study coordinator: Soundara Manickam, Devika
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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.