RNA Analysis of Laser‐Captured Neurons, Microglia and Astrocyte After Intracerebroventricular Injection of Neural Stem Cell‐Derived Exosomes

Neural stem cells (NSC) and adult neurogenesis are known to modulate synaptic plasticity and cognitive function. Decreased number of NSC have been reported in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), whereas their increase is associated with improved learning and memory. However, an increased neurogenesis does not correlate with preserved cognition, thus suggesting that other mechanisms involving increased numbers of NSC promote the preservation of memory. NSC are also known for their capacity to secrete exosomes, microvesicles containing cell‐specific cargos of biomolecules, that are taken up by other cells, thus modulating their function. We and others have shown that NSC‐derived exosomes (NSCexo) injected in brains of AD transgenic mice models ameliorated the cognitive decline and decreased the binding of toxic oligomers to synapses. The mechanisms by which NSCexo provide protection to synapse is still under investigation. Our long‐term goal is to find the specific genes modulated by NSCexo that may be responsible for the cognitive resilience and the overall improvement of CNS function. With this goal in mind, here we determine the cell‐specific (neuron vs. glia) uptake of NSCexo and subsequent cell‐specific changes in gene expression.