Characterization and Functional Modification of Extracellular Vesicles

Abstract

Cells from various origins release vesicles with unique biophysical and biochemical properties, making them of interest for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. These extracellular vesicles are classified based on their biogenesis and size: vesicles formed by exocytosis of multivesicular bodies are called exosomes (with diameters from 30 to 200nm), vesicles budded directly from the plasma membrane are called microvesicles (with diameters from 100 to 1000nm) and vesicles derived from apoptotic cells are apoptotic bodies (with diameters from 1μm to 5μm). Extracellular vesicles play an important role in intercellular communication (they transfer proteins and/or miRNA between cells), therefore, they could be used as useful biomarkers of various diseases and drug delivery vehicles. In this review, we highlight fundamental information of extracellular vesicles including vesicle classification, standard protocols for isolation and characterization.