Abstract

Detection and Enrichment of miRNA in Extracellular Vesicles

John Tigges, Flow Cytometry Science Center Director, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

In the past decade, basic research and clinical diagnostics involving extracellular vesicles has increased and shown progress. However, techniques, protocols, and instrumentation are lacking in the field. Furthermore, the ability to standardize techniques and reproduce research findings is problematic. Cytometry has become one of the most used instruments and efforts for standardization are centered around these technologies. Nano-flow cytometry has the potential to become a powerful tool in EV research. To this end, we have applied nano-flow cytometry to detect specific RNA populations within EVs called miRNA. miRNAs have become an important cargo material to study in the EV field. They have been associated with both disease diagnosis and prognosis. By using cytometry instruments to detect miRNAs, the field can move towards more reproducible and effective clinical results.