Imaging extracellular vesicles: current and emerging methods

• Published in: Journal of biomedical science Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 91 - 10
• Main Authors: Chuo, Steven Ting-Yu, Chien, Jasper Che-Yung, Lai, Charles Pin-Kuang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 24.12.2018; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Biodistribution; Bioluminescence; Biomarkers; Cancer; Cell adhesion & migration; Diagnostic imaging; Extracellular matrix; Extracellular vesicles; Extracellular vesicles exosomes; Ferries; Fluorescence; Imaging; Innovations; Lipid bilayers; Lipids; Lymphatic system; Metabolism; Micrometers; Microvesicles; Nanoparticles; NMR; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Nuclear medicine; Physiological aspects; Proteins; Review; Stem cells; Studies; Vesicles; Bioluminescence; Dyes; MRI; Imaging; Fluorescence; Extracellular vesicles exosomes; Microvesicles; Biodistribution; SPECT
• ISSN: 1423-0127; 1021-7770; 1423-0127
• DOI: 10.1186/s12929-018-0494-5

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer-enclosed nanoparticles released by cells. They range from 30 nm to several micrometers in diameter, and ferry biological cargos such as proteins, lipids, RNAs and DNAs for local and distant intercellular communications. EVs have since been found to play a role in development, as well as in diseases including cancers. To elucidate the roles of EVs, researchers have established different methods to visualize and study their spatiotemporal properties. However, since EV are nanometer-sized, imaging them demands a full understanding of each labeling strategy to ensure accurate monitoring. This review covers current and emerging strategies for EV imaging for prospective studies.