Tracing Cellular Origin of Human Exosomes Using Multiplex Proximity Extension Assays
The presence of exosomes in body fluids and their variable surface composition and content render them attractive potential biomarkers. The PEA technology is a powerful protein-screening tool that can be used to identify the parental cells of exosomes. Using multiplex PEA Larssen et al. detected protein characteristics for different cell lines and their exosomes as well as proteins common to all cell lines and exosomes. By comparing the protein profiles, it was possible to determine the cellular origin of the exosomes.
Plasma-derived exosome characterization reveals a distinct microRNA signature in long duration Type 1 diabetes
Presently circulating autoantibodies against β cell autoantigens are the only clinically available biomarkers for the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Unfortunately, these autoantibodies are not suitable for early stage disease intervention. To assess the value of exosome miRNA as biomarkers for T1DM, Garcia-Contreras et al. used NanoString nCounter technology on total RNA extracted from plasma derived exosomes. Expression analysis of 800 miRNAs revealed 7 differentially expressed candidate miRNAs with a potential use as diagnostics indicators of T1DM.