Using mitochondrial transfer from endothelial cells to treat vascular disease in MELAS
Official title: Mitochondrial transfer via endothelial-derived extracellular vesicles as a potential therapy for vascular disease in MELAS
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-10998111 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how tiny bubbles made by blood vessel cells might help deliver healthy mitochondria to people with MELAS, a condition that causes stroke-like symptoms, to see if they can improve cell health and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,416 |
| NIH project number | 1F30HL172394-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998111 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with MELAS syndrome, particularly those experiencing stroke-like episodes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mitochondrial diseases other than MELAS or those without stroke-like episodes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of using extracellular vesicles derived from endothelial cells to transfer healthy mitochondria to cells affected by MELAS, a mitochondrial disease characterized by stroke-like episodes. The approach focuses on understanding how these vesicles can communicate between cells and potentially restore function by delivering healthy mitochondrial components. The study will involve laboratory experiments to analyze the effects of these vesicles on endothelial cells and their ability to improve cellular health. By examining the quality of mitochondrial cargo in these vesicles, researchers aim to identify effective therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from MELAS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that alleviate stroke-like episodes in patients with MELAS.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of extracellular vesicles for mitochondrial transfer is a novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in related areas of cardiovascular disease.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Manzar, Zahid — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Manzar, Zahid
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.