Extracellular vesicles: A promising frontier in treating preterm brain injury

Despite advances in neonatal care, treating brain injury in preterm babies remains a significant unmet need.

Researchers at Hudson Institute of Medical Research, working with the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, are tackling this challenge head-on with an innovative approach: engineered extracellular vesicles.

Led by Dr Tamara Yawno, the project aims to use the extracellular vesicles produced by stem cells to target and treat brain injuries that occur before or during birth, offering hope where few options currently exist.

“Currently, when a baby is born with brain injury, we have no treatments to offer parents,” explains Dr Yawno. “This is an under-researched area with a critical need for new therapeutic approaches.”

“Our unique approach harnesses brain-targeting extracellular vesicles, meticulously engineered to home in on the injury site, facilitating uptake by brain cells and offering immense therapeutic promise. Inspired by the potential of organ-targeted extracellular vesicles, we strive to adapt and refine this innovative concept, aiming to transform the landscape of preterm brain injury treatment.”

The project brings together Dr Yawno’s expertise as a foetal neuroscientist with the Hudson Institute’s pioneering work on stem cells and their by-products. The exciting partnership emerged organically when the researchers recognised the potential of combining their specialised knowledge.

The Hudson Institute team, led by Associate Professor Rebecca Lim and Dr Ishmael Inocencio, has developed patented technology for producing extracellular vesicles from placental stem cells.

Meanwhile, Dr Yawno’s group has unique capabilities in studying brain injury through preclinical animal models that closely mirror human development. This collaboration is overseen by the clinical expertise of neonatologist Professor Rod Hunt.

Advocate for STEM

In addition to pushing the boundaries in science, Dr Yawno is also a passionate advocate for equity in STEM.

“Coming to Australia from a third-world country as a teenager, not knowing English, has given me a unique perspective—one that fuels my passion for advancing both science and equity,” she explained.

“I’ve come a long way, and knowing that the work I do today might help pave the way for future generations of women, particularly disadvantaged women, to succeed in research and leadership roles is a powerful motivator.”

She also notes that Monash University has a significant role to play in supporting women in STEM by fostering an inclusive and empowering environment, particularly through its new Peer Mentorship Program for Navigating Career Disruptions, which supports individuals who have experienced career interruptions.

Dr Yawno hopes her story can inspire young girls, especially those facing similar challenges, and show them that with determination, it is possible to achieve their dreams and make an impact in STEM.

With four years of funding secured recently via the NHMRC Ideas Grant scheme, Dr Yawno and her team are optimistic that their research could lead to clinical trials within a decade if successful. Given that the stem cells themselves have already passed safety trials, this could accelerate the path to clinical use.