# Targeting age-associated decline in brain function with the extracellular vesicle

> **NIH NIH R21** · TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $224,348

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The naked mole rat (NMR) is a mouse-sized rodent that lives over 30 years. Considering that large mammals
live longer than small mammals, the NMR has emerged as a novel animal model for aging studies. Its
exceptional longevity is associated with other phenotypes, such as unusual thermogenesis, extremely low
cancer incidence, resistance to hypoxia, and
protected from Alzheimer’s disease. We developed and
characterized NMR induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The NMR iPSCs displayed a characteristic
morphology, expressed pluripotent markers, formed embryoid bodies, showed typical differentiation patterns,
and differentiated into all three germ layers, but failed to form teratomas.
We are particularly interested in exosomes isolated from NMR fibroblasts as they may hold the characteristics
of NMR longevity and anti-AD/ADRD. Exosomes are fingerprints of originating cells and feasible to transfer the
genetic materials to the other organisms. In addition to the genetic materials encapsulated in exosome,
exosome also carry small molecules.
We aim to isolate exosomes from NMR fibroblasts of long-living rodent, naked mole rat that carry pro-longevity
materials transfer to mouse to modify the aging-associated pathology such as AD/ADRD, and lifespan of the
recipient mouse.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10453353
- **Project number:** 1R21AG070656-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Sun Hee Yim
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $224,348
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-07-15 → 2024-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10453353

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10453353, Targeting age-associated decline in brain function with the extracellular vesicle (1R21AG070656-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10453353. Licensed CC0.

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