Collaborative Research Uncovers New Paths for Alzheimer's Treatment

Researchers from Mayo Clinic Florida, Florida State University, and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering are actively collaborating to develop innovative treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

Leading the Charge: Professor Yan Li's Expertise

The research is spearheaded by Professor Yan Li from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. With a dual appointment at FSU and Mayo Clinic, Professor Li brings over two decades of expertise in pluripotent stem cell biology and extracellular vesicle therapeutics. This crucial project significantly benefits from Mayo Clinic's extensive resources and specialized knowledge, particularly its access to patient-derived three-dimensional brain models.

An Advanced Cellular Model for Brain Disease Research

In previously published research featured in Advanced Healthcare Materials, Professor Li and her colleagues introduced a groundbreaking cellular model for studying brain diseases. This sophisticated model integrates brain organoids—lab-grown cell structures designed to mimic human organ function—with immune cells analogous to those found in the brain, specifically microglia-like immune cells. This vital inclusion allows the organoids to accurately simulate inflammation and immune responses, both of which are critical factors in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Key Discoveries: Targeting Alzheimer's with Extracellular Vesicles

Utilizing this advanced model, the research team delved into Alzheimer's disease by exposing the organoids to extracellular vesicles, which act as tiny cell-to-cell messengers, sourced from Alzheimer's patient brain cells.

They observed that samples containing healthy immune cells and their extracellular vesicles significantly reduced harmful inflammation and lowered signals associated with specific harmful proteins present in Alzheimer's patients.

These findings suggest a more accurate method for studying Alzheimer's disease and related neural conditions.

Potential for Novel Extracellular Vesicle Therapies

The results also strongly point towards potential treatments that utilize extracellular vesicles as therapies, offering an alternative to traditional drugs or transplanted cells. Researchers are optimistic about developing new treatments capable of altering the progression of Alzheimer's by leveraging this understanding of cellular communication.

Cultivating Future Biomedical Leaders

This unique collaboration provides doctoral students in biomedical engineering, including Jennifer Berg Sen, Sailesti Joshi, and Falak Syed, with unparalleled opportunities for direct immersion in a clinical research environment at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville. Students work closely with medical professionals, mastering advanced laboratory techniques and gaining a critical medical perspective on their engineering research.

Dr. Takahisa Kanekiyo, an associate professor of neuroscience, and Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa, a professor of neurosurgery, both from Mayo Clinic in Florida, are also key contributors to this initiative. Emily Pritchard, assistant provost at FSU, expressed hope that these ongoing collaborations and training opportunities will expand, further advancing translational research and ultimately improving patient outcomes.