Federico Colombo1, Erienne G Norton1, Emanuele Cocucci2. 1. Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. 2. Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. Electronic address: cocucci.1@osu.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have drawn the attention of both biological researchers and clinical physicians due to their function in mediating cell-to-cell communication and relevance as potential diagnostic markers. Since their discovery, the small size and heterogeneity of EVs has posed a hindrance to their characterization as well as to the definition of their biological significance. SCOPE OF THE REVIEW: Recent technological advances have considerably expanded the tools available for EV studies. In particular, the combination of novel microscope setups with high resolution imaging and the flexibility in EV labelling allows for the precise detection and characterization of the molecular composition of single EVs. Here we will review the microscopy techniques that have been applied to unravel the mechanism of EV-mediated intercellular communication and to study their molecular composition. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Microscopy technologies have largely contributed to our understanding of molecular processes, including EV biology. As we discuss in this review, careful experimental planning is necessary to identify the most appropriate technique to use to answer a specific question. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The considerations regarding microscopy and experimental planning that are discussed here are applicable to the characterization of other small structures, including synthetic nanovectors and viruses.
BACKGROUND: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have drawn the attention of both biological researchers and clinical physicians due to their function in mediating cell-to-cell communication and relevance as potential diagnostic markers. Since their discovery, the small size and heterogeneity of EVs has posed a hindrance to their characterization as well as to the definition of their biological significance. SCOPE OF THE REVIEW: Recent technological advances have considerably expanded the tools available for EV studies. In particular, the combination of novel microscope setups with high resolution imaging and the flexibility in EV labelling allows for the precise detection and characterization of the molecular composition of single EVs. Here we will review the microscopy techniques that have been applied to unravel the mechanism of EV-mediated intercellular communication and to study their molecular composition. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Microscopy technologies have largely contributed to our understanding of molecular processes, including EV biology. As we discuss in this review, careful experimental planning is necessary to identify the most appropriate technique to use to answer a specific question. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The considerations regarding microscopy and experimental planning that are discussed here are applicable to the characterization of other small structures, including synthetic nanovectors and viruses.
Authors: Karin Strohmeier; Martina Hofmann; Fabian Hauser; Dmitry Sivun; Sujitha Puthukodan; Andreas Karner; Georg Sandner; Pol-Edern Le Renard; Jaroslaw Jacak; Mario Mairhofer Journal: Int J Mol Sci Date: 2021-12-28 Impact factor: 5.923
Authors: Susanne Dechantsreiter; Ashley R Ambrose; Jonathan D Worboys; Joey M E Lim; Sylvia Liu; Rajesh Shah; M Angeles Montero; Anne Marie Quinn; Tracy Hussell; Gillian M Tannahill; Daniel M Davis Journal: J Extracell Vesicles Date: 2022-04