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RNA Imaging pp 181–192Cite as

Microvesicles: Isolation, Characterization for In Vitro and In Vivo Procedures

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Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 1372))

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.

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Acknowledgment

This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness SAF2012-40056 to F.L, “UTE project FIMA” agreement, the Cancer Research Thematic Network of the Health Institute Carlos III (RTICC RD12/0036/0066), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) “Una manera de hacer Europa.”

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Correspondence to Fernando Lecanda Ph.D. .

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Valencia, K., Lecanda, F. (2016). Microvesicles: Isolation, Characterization for In Vitro and In Vivo Procedures. In: Medarova, Z. (eds) RNA Imaging. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1372. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3148-4_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-3148-4_14

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-3147-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-3148-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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