In a groundbreaking development poised to reshape the landscape of neurodegenerative disease research and age-related cognitive decline therapies, Dr. Tara Moore, a distinguished professor of anatomy and neurobiology at Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, has secured a substantial five-year RF1 grant totaling $3.2 million from the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This grant will underwrite the continuation of her pivotal research project, “Extracellular Vesicle Treatment and Age-Related Neuropathology in Non-Human Primates,” extending the promising findings from her initial RO1 grant into their vital sixth through tenth years of exploration.
The decline in cognitive function and progressive brain degeneration mark some of the most challenging hurdles in the biology of aging. Despite the profound societal impact of these conditions, therapeutic options remain limited and often ineffective. Dr. Moore’s innovative research centers around the application of extracellular vesicles (EVs)—nano-sized particles secreted by young stem cells—as a novel biological intervention to rejuvenate aging brains. Prior investigations have uncovered compelling evidence that these EVs can significantly enhance memory performance and brain connectivity in aged model organisms, suggesting a potential paradigm shift toward biologically inspired cognitive restoration.
Extracellular vesicles represent a class of membrane-bound vesicles released by many cell types, including stem cells, which facilitate intercellular communication by transporting proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids such as microRNA. Their ability to modulate cellular function and influence tissue repair processes has garnered increasing attention. Crucially, Dr. Moore’s prior studies suggest a fascinating twist in the story: EVs derived from female stem cell donors exhibit superior efficacy in mitigating age-related brain dysfunction compared to their male counterparts, hinting at underlying biological mechanisms that could pivot therapy toward a sex-specific precision medicine approach.
The current phase of Dr. Moore’s research delves into the molecular and functional differences between EVs sourced from male and female donors. By systematically evaluating their relative capacities to reverse neuropathological hallmarks associated with aging—including synaptic loss, neuroinflammation, and accumulation of misfolded proteins—her laboratory aims to elucidate the mechanisms driving differential therapeutic outcomes. These insights promise to unveil novel biomarkers and molecular targets, ultimately guiding the development of sex-tailored interventions to not only slow cognitive decline but possibly offer protection against Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Dr. Moore brings a multiplicity of expertise to this endeavor. Beyond her professorship, she serves as associate dean of research, interim director of the Laboratory of Interventions for Cortical Injury and Cognitive Decline, and co-investigator in the Laboratory of Cognitive Neurobiology. Her extensive background in studying the neurobiological underpinnings of higher cognitive functions, and how they are perturbed by aging, hypertension, and brain injury, equips her to navigate the complex interface of basic neuroscience and translational therapeutic development.
Her contributions are not confined to the laboratory. Demonstrating a sustained commitment to education and institutional leadership, Dr. Moore spearheaded the creation and development of two influential master’s programs at Boston University: the Biomedical Forensic Sciences Program launched in 2006, and the MS in Forensic Anthropology program initiated in 2008, where she has served as director since its inception. Her role on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) since 2010, including terms as scientific member, vice chair, and chair, reflects a dedication to ethical standards in research involving animal models.
At the core of Dr. Moore’s scientific philosophy lies a commitment to translational impact—transforming fundamental discoveries about extracellular vesicle biology into therapeutic realities. The challenge of cognitive aging is multifaceted, with neuropathology characterized by complex interactions among neuronal loss, synaptic dysfunction, glial activation, and vascular alterations. The ability of EVs to carry multifarious cargos capable of modulating these pathways simultaneously places them at the forefront of next-generation neurotherapeutics.
Detailed characterization of EV content, such as microRNAs, cytokines, and trophic factors, is pivotal to understanding their effect. Variations in these molecular constituents between male-derived and female-derived EVs may illuminate sex-specific pathways in neuroprotection and repair. By deploying state-of-the-art proteomic and transcriptomic analyses combined with functional behavioral assays in non-human primate models, Dr. Moore’s project seeks to bridge the translational gap from rodent studies toward human applicability, enhancing clinical relevance and therapeutic potential.
Non-human primates represent an unparalleled model for studying human neurobiology due to their closer genetic, anatomical, and cognitive similarities. Aging-related neuropathological processes in these models mirror those seen in humans more accurately than rodents, particularly regarding higher-order cognitive functions vulnerable to Alzheimer’s and related disorders. This renders Dr. Moore’s research uniquely positioned to generate data that can accelerate clinical trials and pave the way for regulatory approval of EV-based therapies.
The anticipated outcomes of this research extend beyond academic novelty. Demonstrating that sex-specific EVs can reverse or slow cognitive decline offers a new avenue for developing personalized medicine strategies that consider donor-recipient sex dynamics, a critical factor often overlooked in therapeutic development. Such precision approaches could revolutionize aging care protocols, reduce the growing societal burden of dementia, and enhance quality of life for an aging global population.
Dr. Moore’s academic journey—from receiving her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Calgary to earning her doctorate in Anatomy and Neurobiology at Boston University in 2000—has been marked by a continuum of rigorous research and clinical relevance. Her multidisciplinary expertise combines neurobiology, geriatrics, and forensic science, reflecting an integrative approach to understanding and combating the biological challenges posed by aging.
As this significant NIH-funded initiative unfolds over the next five years, the scientific community and the public alike watch with anticipation. If successful, Dr. Moore’s work will not only deepen our understanding of aging brain biology but also open the door to novel regenerative therapies grounded in cutting-edge extracellular vesicle science. The era of sex-specific, precision neurotherapeutics may soon arrive, transforming how we approach age-related cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative diseases.
Subject of Research: Extracellular vesicle therapy for age-related neuropathology and cognitive decline in non-human primates
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Keywords: Diseases and disorders; Health and medicine
