18 December 2023

Scientists, including Linda Bojmar as first author, have introduced a comprehensive protocol for the cross-platform characterization of extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) in both humans and mice.

The protocol aims to provide a standardized approach for analyzing EVPs, crucial for unraveling their functions and exploring biomarker potential.

Key Highlights of the Protocol

Cross-Validation Across Platforms: The protocol emphasizes the cross-validation of isolated EVPs across different platforms, ensuring robust and consistent results.

Multifaceted Analysis: Researchers can now employ various techniques for EVP analysis, including nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy, allowing for the examination of EVP size, number, and morphology.

Protein Cargo Identification: The protocol introduces a novel approach to EVP protein cargo identification using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) coupled with bioinformatic analysis.

Validation Techniques: To verify the presence of specific EVP proteins, the protocol advocates for single-particle analysis, western blot analysis, and ExoELISA, providing a comprehensive validation framework.

The significance of this protocol lies in its ability to facilitate EVP cross-validation across different platforms, enhancing the reliability of research outcomes. By offering a standardized methodology, scientists can now delve deeper into the intricate world of extracellular vesicles and particles, paving the way for breakthroughs in understanding their roles and potential as biomarkers.

This protocol is expected to catalyze advancements in the study of EVPs, opening new avenues for therapeutic development and diagnostic applications.

Contact

Latest news from LiU

Closeup of small pieces of liver in a petri dish.

A liver biopsy may predict spread of pancreatic cancer

Microscopic changes in the liver can be used to predict spread of pancreatic cancer. The discovery may provide new ways of predicting the course of the disease and preventing pancreatic cancer from spreading to other organs.

Woman with arms crossed.

She wants to make robots behave better

Researcher Hannah Pelikan believes that we will see increased conflicts between humans and robots in the future.  In her research, she films everyday encounters between humans and machines to see what happens.

Two men in a computer server hall.

International collaboration lays the foundation for AI for materials

AI is accelerating the development of new materials. Large-scale use and exchange of data on materials is facilitated by a broad international standard. A major international collaboration now presents an extended version of the OPTIMADE standard.