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Isolation and Characterization of Microvesicles from Peripheral Blood
Published on: January 6, 2017
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Microvesicles: Isolation, Characterization for In Vitro and In Vivo Procedures
Karmele Valencia1, Fernando Lecanda2,3
1Division of Oncology, Adhesion and Metastasis Laboratory, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Avda. Pío XII 55, Pamplona, 31080, Navarra, Spain.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|November 5, 2015
Summary
This study details methods for isolating and characterizing microvesicles and exosomes, crucial for intercellular communication. These vesicles can be labeled for tracking their cargo transfer in vitro and in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Extracellular vesicles research
- Cellular biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Microvesicles and exosomes are extracellular vesicles found in body fluids.
- They facilitate intercellular communication by transferring proteins and nucleic acids.
- Understanding their isolation and characterization is key to their therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline fundamental techniques for isolating and characterizing microvesicles and exosomes.
- To describe methods for analyzing their molecular cargo, including miRNAs and proteins.
- To present labeling strategies for in vitro and in vivo applications.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of microvesicles and exosomes from cell culture media and body fluids.
- Characterization of vesicle content, including miRNA and protein analysis.
- Fluorescent labeling for in vitro and in vivo tracking of cargo transfer.
Main Results:
- Established protocols for reliable isolation and characterization of microvesicles and exosomes.
- Detailed methods for comprehensive cargo analysis.
- Demonstrated utility of labeled vesicles for studying intercellular cargo delivery.
Conclusions:
- Provides a comprehensive guide to microvesicle and exosome isolation, characterization, and application.
- Highlights the importance of these vesicles as biomarkers and therapeutic agents.
- Enables further research into extracellular vesicle-mediated biological processes.
