Biophysical Characterization of EVPs and other Macromolecular Nanoparticles

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

To bridge the research community's nano-micro scale gap in analytical dexterity, our Section is taking a hybrid single vesicle: vesicle subpopulation approach. In the same way that cellular multi-omics leverage a combination of single cell and bulk approaches to identify and characterize different types of cells, we have developed and are refining complementary single vesicle and 'bulk' EV subset assays with which we can broadly survey the EV surface marker repertoire represented in a biofluid sample, identify distinctive types of EVs based on selected surface markers, and then characterize the composition of those subsets with NGS analysis (bulk) and single EV molecular assays when feasible and necessary for defining structural or molecular details at the single vesicle level. With this hybrid approach, we are working to optimize (and innovate, where needed) biophysical characterization methods that enable robust, comprehensive studies of EV subsets. This Project, therefore, provides the analytical foundation necessary for our other Translational Nanobiology Projects to investigate how specific EV features contribute at a molecular and mechanistic level to how EVs reflect and impact cancer progression, immune regulation, and treatment responses.