Cystatin C loaded in brain-derived extracellular vesicles rescues synapses after ischemic insult in vitro and in vivo.

Synaptic loss is an early event in the penumbra area after an ischemic stroke. Promoting synaptic preservation in this area would likely improve functional neurological recovery. We aimed to detect proteins involved in endogenous protection mechanisms of synapses in the penumbra after stroke and to analyse potential beneficial effects of these candidates for a prospective stroke treatment.

Multiplexed mRNA analysis of brain-derived extracellular vesicles upon experimental stroke in mice reveals increased mRNA content with potential relevance to inflammation and recovery processes.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-enclosed structures that represent newly discovered means for cell-to-cell communication as well as promising disease biomarkers and therapeutic tools. Apart from proteins, lipids, and metabolites, EVs can deliver genetic information such as mRNA, eliciting a response in the recipient cells. In the present study, we have analyzed the mRNA content of brain-derived EVs (BDEVs) isolated 72 h after experimental stroke in mice and compared them to controls (shams) using nCounter Nanostring panels, with or without prior RNA isolation.