Using tiny vesicles to activate cell receptors for therapy
Official title: Engineering extracellular vesicles for therapeutic receptor activation
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11015845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles released by cells can be specially designed to help heal damaged tissues by activating important cell signals, and it aims to find ways to use this approach to help patients recover from injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $364,941 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL171590-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from conditions that involve vascular damage or dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-vascular related conditions or those who do not have issues with endothelial barrier function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are small particles secreted by cells, can be engineered to carry specific ligands that activate cell membrane receptors. By focusing on the Notch signaling pathway, the study aims to understand how these functionalized EVs can restore endothelial barrier function and improve tissue health after injury. The approach involves testing the effectiveness of these EVs in reversing damage caused by endotoxemia in mice, with the goal of translating these findings into therapeutic applications for patients. The research employs advanced techniques to characterize the properties of EVs and their interactions with target cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance tissue repair and function in patients with vascular injuries or related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using extracellular vesicles for therapeutic purposes, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shin, Jae-Won — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Shin, Jae-Won
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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.