# Mechanisms of extracellular vesicle biogenesis that regulate wound healing

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2024 · $410,800

## Abstract

SUMMARY
Resolution in skin wound healing is coordinated by intercellular communication processes that
include extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing biologically active protein and nucleic acid. In injury
models, EVs have been shown to be important mediators of tissue repair, although the
mechanisms underlying the formation of specific EV subsets, loading of EV payloads, and cell-
type specific EV uptake remain poorly understood. We address this knowledge gap with a
comprehensive genetic approach to modify the regulation of EV biogenesis to change the EV
Profile, Payload and Activity in cutaneous wound models that have well-defined biological
relevance. We have recently established that genetic tools regulating EV biogenesis `re-program'
EV payload. Moreover, over-expression of specific pro-reparative payloads that were identified
by mass spectrometry can be engineered and delivered to promote resolution in models of
impaired wound healing. With a focus on the discovery of novel EV mediators of crosstalk
between immune and epithelial cells in the wound bed, we have focused on the biology of EVs in
mediating intercellular signaling in EVs formation (Project 1-EV Biogenesis), the engineering of
biologically active payloads (Project 2-EV Payloads), and identifying specific cell types that
internalize EVs in the wound bed (Project 3-EV Uptake). Together, these Projects address the
over-arching goals of creating therapeutic EVs with a systematic approach that is optimized for
specific cell types based on an understanding of 1) How and where EVs are made?; 2) How EVs
are loaded and whether they are biologically active ?; and 3) Which cells uptake EVs to promote
durable tissue repair.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10909004
- **Project number:** 5R35GM149245-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Brian P Eliceiri
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $410,800
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-01 → 2028-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10909004

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10909004, Mechanisms of extracellular vesicle biogenesis that regulate wound healing (5R35GM149245-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10909004. Licensed CC0.

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