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Updated: May 17, 2026
Isolation and Characterization of Neutrophil-derived Microparticles for Functional Studies
Published on: March 2, 2018
Proteomic analysis of TNF-α-activated endothelial cells and endothelial microparticles
Yiyun Liu1, Wenchang Huang, Ruyuan Zhang
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, PR China.
Abstract:
Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are small vesicles released from endothelial cells (ECs) and found circulating in the blood. EMPs are formed by a plasma membrane surrounding a small amount of cytosol and contain a subset of cellular proteins. As the number of EMPs in the blood increases with certain diseases, they may be an attractive biomarker for clinical diagnosis. Proteomic analysis of EMPs has been previously performed by mass spectrometry. However, the proteomic information of the ECs that secrete EMPs is lacking. This study introduces an in vitro model of activated ECs we created for proteomic analyses and reports the changes of the protein content in the ECs and EMPs using proteomic methods. Thus, this study provides valuable information for the analysis of the highly dynamic secretion process of EMPs. There is a direct correlation between the proteins that form EMPs and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-activated ECs. The endothelial proteins transferred by EMPs may play important roles in the interaction between EMPs and the target cells, which may lead to endothelial dysfunction.
Insights
Endothelial microparticles (EMPs), released from endothelial cells, increase in disease and may serve as biomarkers. This study analyzes the proteomic changes in EMPs and their parent cells, revealing correlations with TNF-α activation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are vesicles shed by endothelial cells (ECs) into circulation.
- Elevated EMP levels in blood are associated with various diseases, suggesting diagnostic potential.
- Previous proteomic studies of EMPs lacked comprehensive data on their parent ECs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an in vitro model of activated ECs for proteomic analysis.
- To investigate the proteomic changes in ECs and the EMPs they secrete.
- To correlate EMP protein content with EC activation states.
Main Methods:
- Development of an in vitro model of activated endothelial cells.
- Proteomic analysis of both activated ECs and their secreted EMPs.
- Mass spectrometry-based protein identification and quantification.
Main Results:
- The study identified specific protein content changes in ECs and EMPs upon activation.
- A direct correlation was found between EMP protein composition and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-activated ECs.
- Endothelial proteins transferred via EMPs may mediate interactions with target cells.
Conclusions:
- The developed in vitro model facilitates the study of EMP biogenesis and secretion dynamics.
- Proteomic insights into EMPs and ECs provide a basis for understanding their roles in endothelial dysfunction.
- EMPs hold potential as biomarkers reflecting EC activation and disease states.
