# Profiling communication networks of endogenous exosomes

> **NIH NIH R21** · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · 2022 · $227,250

## Abstract

PROJECT DESCRIPTION/ABSTRACT
 Exosomes are secreted small extracellular vesicles with the size 30-130nm. They contain DNA fragments, mRNAs
and proteins, and emerge as a new category of messengers that facilitate cross-talk among cells, tissues, and organs.
Tracking the distribution and dynamic nature of these small extracellular vesicles, and quantifying their kinetics are
essential. A critical demand arises for the development of a sensitive and noninvasive tracking system for endogenous
exosomes; such a system will provide a powerful tool for the exploration of the normal biological functions of exosomes.
 To meet such as a demand, a unique exosome reporter mouse is proposed, through which to reveal communication
networks of endogenous exosomes among organs/tissues or cells in physiological conditions and investigate normal
exosome biology. A modified bioluminescent reporter will be knocked in the mice, which will provide an ultra-sensitive
and stable labeling and tracking system. The specific inductions of the reporter will be tested in cardiomyocytes and
cardiac fibroblasts as two examples. The luminescent signaling will be detected non-invasively.
 In summary, the study will provide a powerful and versatile genetic mouse model to enable location
tracking, quantifying endogenous exosomes derived from almost any tissues, organs or cell lineages. The
proposed genetic mice are superior to the current ex vivo and in vivo labeling.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10394353
- **Project number:** 5R21HL157708-02
- **Recipient organization:** TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Jiang Chang
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $227,250
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-04-16 → 2025-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10394353

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10394353, Profiling communication networks of endogenous exosomes (5R21HL157708-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10394353. Licensed CC0.

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