Microvesicles: Isolation, characterization for in vitro and in vivo procedures

Abstract

Microvesicles and exosomes are released to the extracellular milieu and are detectable in body fluids. They act as unique vehicles for cargo transfer to other cells/tissues. They contain a set of membrane receptors, intracellular proteins and nucleic acids. Here, we describe basic techniques for their isolation and characterization from cell culture media or body fluids. We also describe critical techniques for characterizing their cargo (miRNAs) and their protein content. Finally, we present labeling methods for their use in in vitro procedures and for their in vivo delivery and subsequent analysis of their cargo transfer to multiple cell types.