Abstract

Single Vesicle Analysis: Making Sense of Exosome Diversity

John Nolan, CEO, Cellarcus Biosciences, Inc.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released by all cells and carry molecular cargo that can be delivered to nearby and distant cells to affect their function. Biofluids such as plasma contain EVs from many different cell types, and thus represent a rich source of potential biomarkers for liquid biopsy and other applications. However, progress towards this potential is slowed by the small size and heterogeneous nature of EVs found in various biofluids. We have been developing high resolution analysis methods to measure and characterize individual EV and classes of UVs to better understand their cellular source, molecular cargo, and potential destinations and functional effects. These methods includes optimized dye formulations, antibodies, and calibrators and standards needed for inter-lab comparisons. In this presentation I will highlight the potential roles of EV in biology, the challenges for their measurement, and new insights into the diversity of EVs revealed by new high resolution analysis methods.