Abstract

Utilizing Flow Cytometry For Multi-Parametric Analysis

Joshua Welsh, Translational Nanobiology Section, National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are sub-micron lipid spheres derived from cells. Interest in EVs is growing due to their potential applications in translational medicine, therapeutics, as well as their role in basic biology. Progress in the understanding of EVs has been hampered by the lack of equipment and standardization in the EV field. In recent years, the development of highly sensitive commercial flow cytometry platforms, along with societal initiatives, has led to flow cytometry being one of the most informative EV characterization methods. Our work at NIH has developed flow cytometry assays, standardization methods, and software for study of EVs at a single particle level and as part of multiplex analysis techniques. Our methods have allowed EV data to be reported in standard units allowing cross-platform data integration, with the ultimate aim of developing an EV atlas.