Extracellular Vesicles: From cellular debris to novel biomarker molecule

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of cell-derived membranous structures, comprising exosomes and microvesicles. Originally thought of as cellular debris, and as way for the cell to discard any unwanted proteins or RNAs, EVs have been shown to be an intricate mechanism for intracellular communication. Additionally, they have been shown to be involved in multiple physiological and pathophysiological processes; thus, leading to the growing interest in these molecules as circulating biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis.

Detection of extracellular vesicles adds a new dimension to protein biomarker discovery

In the ever growing demand for novel diagnostic markers for disease detection and prognosis, extracellular vesicles have emerged as potential targets.  As a form of intracellular communication, EVs have the capacity to convey protein and nucleic acid species between cells. This ability to shuffle information between cells makes them potential circulating biomarkers for tumour progression and metastasis, as well as early detection of neurodegenerative disease. Therefore, the ability to detect and differentiate EVs will be vital in investigating this new dimension of protein biomarkers discovery. Vesicode’s vision is to offer innovative and effective tools for characterization of EVs in order to better understand their usefulness as biomarkers.

How can Vesicode aid in advancing the use of EVs as biomarkers?

Today, Vesicode’s characterization panels allows for robust identification of protein signatures found on the surface of individual EVs to:

• Elucidate EVs role in biological processes
• Stratify EVs in a heterogeneous population
• Identify membrane cargo that associate with distinct pathological states and stages of progression for a given disease

Thus, Vesicode is able to provide biomarker discovery at new dimensions.

We are continuously developing our service panels, offering a wider selection of target molecules to enable customers to more accurately characterize the EVs of interest through the discovery of new protein signatures present.

Using protein signature will likely transform the future of EVs as diagnosis and prognosis makers, as well as the overall understanding of the biology of EV formation. We will provide these tools in the hope to translate EV biomarker discovery into the clinic. Thus, helping to tailor healthcare to more effectively diagnose and treat diseases.