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Inner ear exosomes and their potential use as biomarkers
Eugene H C Wong1,2, You Yi Dong2, Mali Coray2
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Plos One
|June 23, 2018
Summary
Researchers discovered exosomes, tiny vesicles for cell communication, in the inner ear for the first time. Ototoxic stress from medications significantly altered their protein content, suggesting potential as biomarkers for inner ear health.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Cell Biology
- Nanomedicine
Background:
- Exosomes are crucial for intercellular communication.
- Their presence and role in the inner ear remain largely undescribed.
- Understanding inner ear exosomes could reveal new diagnostic avenues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the presence of exosomes in the inner ear.
- To characterize exosome protein changes under ototoxic stress.
- To explore exosomes as potential biomarkers for inner ear conditions.
Main Methods:
- Inner ear explants from Wistar rats were cultured and exposed to ototoxic drugs (cisplatin, gentamicin).
- Exosomes were isolated using ExoQuick, serial centrifugation, and mini-columns.
- Exosome characterization involved TEM, ZetaView, BCA assay, and proteomics.
Main Results:
- Exosomes with characteristic size were identified in the inner ear.
- Ototoxic stress significantly reduced exosome levels and particle counts.
- Proteomic analysis revealed distinct protein expression changes in exosomes following drug exposure.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of exosomes in the inner ear.
- Ototoxic stress alters inner ear exosome protein profiles.
- Inner ear exosomes show promise as future biomarkers for monitoring hearing health and ototoxicity.
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