Abstract

Contribution of Immuno-Cryo-Electron Microscopy to the EV Field

Alain Brisson, Professor Emeritus, University of Bordeaux

Extracellular vesicle (EV) samples isolated from body fluids or conditioned media are heterogeneous in cell origin, membrane compartment origin, size, molecular composition and functional properties. Given the diversity of biological functions and biomedical applications borne by EV, there is an urgent need for efficient and reliable methods of EV characterization and isolation, to improve our understanding on EV and fully exploit their potential. Our group has pioneered the use of cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-EM), immuno-gold labeling and flow cytometry for imaging and quantifying EV. In this presentation, I will first summarize the main contribution of immuno-cryo-EM to the EV field, helping to answer the question “What do contain EV samples?”. Next, I will present recent results and discuss our attempts to identify EV-based biomarkers in sickle cell disease and preeclampsia.