Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Isolation, Characterization, and Proteomic Analysis of Plasma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Cardiovascular Biomarker Discovery
Published on: January 31, 2025
Blood/plasma secretome and microvesicles
Jameel M Inal1, Uchini Kosgodage, Sarah Azam
1Cellular and Molecular Immunology Research Centre, School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, 166-220 Holloway Road, London, N7 8DB, UK.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including microvesicles and exosomes, are key components of the blood secretome. Standardizing EV research is crucial for their use as biomarkers in cancer and infectious diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Proteomics
Background:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs), comprising microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes, are shed by all blood cells and are a significant, yet overlooked, part of the blood/plasma secretome.
- MVs (100nm-1μm) originate from the cell surface, carrying non-conventionally secreted proteins, while exosomes (≤100nm) have an endocytic origin.
- Both EV types are vital for intercellular communication and are increasingly recognized for their potential as biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of extracellular vesicles (EVs) within the blood secretome.
- To emphasize the role of EVs as potential biomarkers for cancer and infectious diseases.
- To address the urgent need for standardization in EV research, including nomenclature and isolation protocols.
Main Methods:
- Review and synthesis of current literature on extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the context of the blood secretome.
- Analysis of the composition and origin of microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes.
- Discussion of the implications of EV research in cancer and infectious disease diagnostics.
Main Results:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a major component of the blood secretome, originating from various blood cell types.
- EVs, particularly microvesicles and exosomes, are implicated in intercellular signaling and are found in all bodily fluids.
- EV release is enhanced in cancer, making them a focus for cancer proteomics and biomarker discovery.
Conclusions:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a critical, underappreciated element of the blood secretome with significant diagnostic potential.
- The enhanced release and presence of EVs in cancer and infectious diseases underscore their utility as biomarkers.
- Standardization of nomenclature and isolation techniques is urgently required to advance the field of EV research and application.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Exosomes
Stahl et al. discovered exosomes in 1983, but the exosomes were initially considered waste products released from the...
Composition of Blood Plasma
Overview of Secretory Vesicles
Various proteins regulate the aggregation of molecules inside the secretory vesicles. Chromogranins...
Composition of Blood
Formed elements constitute the remaining 45% of the blood volume. These...
Fusion of Secretory Vesicles with the Plasma Membrane
In 1993, Jim Rothman proposed that the antiparallel pairing of vesicular and transmembrane SNAREs, or...
Fluid Connective Tissues: Blood and Lymph
Blood
The blood flows through blood vessels— arteries, capillaries, and veins. Blood plasma is primarily made of proteins, solutes, and water.

