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Published on: January 4, 2015
Engineered Brain-Targeted Exosomes Delivering FGF1 for Sustained Glycemic Regulation and Multitarget Neurovascular
Bixin Shen1,2, Chengxiang Zhang1, Junhui Wang1
1State Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drugs and Large-scale Preparation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Engineered exosomes carrying FGF1 target the brain to treat diabetic stroke. This novel therapy reduces infarct volume, improves motor function, and manages hyperglycemia with minimal dosing.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biotechnology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetic stroke involves hyperglycemia and inflammation, worsening neurovascular dysfunction.
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits therapeutic molecule delivery to the brain.
- Current treatments for diabetic stroke face challenges in efficacy and delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an engineered exosome platform for targeted delivery of FGF1 to the brain in diabetic stroke.
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of FGF1-loaded exosomes functionalized with RVG peptide (FGF1-RVG Exo) in a diabetic stroke mouse model.
- To investigate the synergistic peripheral and central effects of this novel treatment strategy.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of FGF1-loaded exosomes functionalized with the rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) peptide.
- Administration of FGF1-RVG Exo in a diabetic stroke mouse model.
- Assessment of therapeutic effects including blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, infarct volume, cell apoptosis, neovascularization, and functional recovery.
Main Results:
- FGF1-RVG Exo demonstrated superior pharmacological efficacy compared to free FGF1 with once-weekly administration.
- A single dose achieved sustained hypoglycemic effects for up to two weeks and ameliorated insulin resistance.
- Exosome accumulation in the lesion reduced infarct volume and apoptosis, promoted neovascularization, and improved motor and cognitive functions.
Conclusions:
- Engineered exosomes provide a non-invasive, targeted delivery system for treating diabetic ischemic stroke.
- This strategy offers peripheral-central synergistic modulation for multi-target management of diabetic stroke.
- FGF1-RVG Exo represents a novel therapeutic paradigm for CNS disorders requiring growth factor delivery.
