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Basics of Extracellular Vesicles

Approx. 10 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course on extracellular vesicles explores the latest research and discoveries in the field, including their role in health and disease. Students will learn about isolation techniques, characterization, and cargo delivery mechanisms of extracellular vesicles.

Key Learning Points

Gain a deep understanding of extracellular vesicles and their role in intercellular communication
Learn about the latest research and discoveries in the field
Explore isolation techniques, characterization, and cargo delivery mechanisms of extracellular vesicles

Learning Outcomes

Understand the role of extracellular vesicles in intercellular communication
Learn about the latest research and discoveries in the field
Develop skills in isolation techniques, characterization, and cargo delivery mechanisms of extracellular vesicles

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of biology and biochemistry
Access to a computer and internet connection

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

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Professor of Pediatrics
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Description

This course aims to provide the basic knowledge about extracellular vesicles (EV) a generic term including exosomes, microvesicles, microparticles, ectosomes, oncosomes, prostasomes, and many others. It covers areas such as EV history, nomenclature, biogenesis, EV cargo as well as the release and uptake mechanisms, collection and processing prior to isolation, different isolation methods, characterization and quantification techniques.

This course is divided into five modules. Module 1 is an introduction to the field and will cover the nomenclature and the history of EVs. Module 2 will focus on the biogenesis, release and uptake mechanisms of EVs as well as the different EV cargos (RNA, protein, lipids). In Module 3, we will focus on the collection and processing of cell culture media and body fluids such as blood, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid and urine prior to isolation of EVs. Module 4 and 5 will present different isolation methods and characterization/quantification techniques, respectively. Here differential ultracentrifugation, size exclusion chromatography, density gradient, kit based precipitation, electron microscopy (EM), cryo-TEM, flow cytometry, atomic-force microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis will be presented. The recommended prerequisites are college-freshman-level biology and biochemistry. After a completed course you should be able to: + Discuss the nomenclature and subgroups of extracellular vesicles. + Describe the RNA, protein and lipid content of extracellular vesicles. + Describe the basic concepts about the most common isolation and characterization techniques and how these techniques are used in the EV field. + State the benefits and limitations of the most common isolation and characterization techniques for extracellular vesicles. + Explain the considerations that are important during the collection and isolation of EVs from different body fluid. + Describe the release and uptake mechanisms of extracellular vesicles All lectures are given in English. Each of the five modules will be followed by an exam. All exams will be in the format of multiple choice questions. The course is organized in collaboration between the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV), University of California Irvine (USA), University of Gothenburg (Sweden) and Pohang University of Science and Technology (South Korea).

Outline

Introduction to the Course and the Field of Extracellular Vesicles
Introduction to the Field of Extracellular Vesicles
Introduction to the Course
The Origin of EVs throughout the Phylogenetic Tree
History of Exosomes and Extracellular Vesicles
Syllabus
Introduction to Extracellular Vesicles

Biogenesis, Cargo and Uptake of Extracellular Vesicles
Biogenesis and Release of Extracellular Vesicles
Mechanisms of Extracellular Vesicle Uptake - Part 1
Mechanisms of Extracellular Vesicle Uptake - Part 2
The Protein Content of Extracellular Vesicles
The RNA Content of Extracellular Vesicles
The Lipid Content of Extracellular Vesicles
Biogenesis, Cargo and Uptake of Extracellular Vesicles

Collection and Processing of Cell Culture Media and Body Fluids Prior to Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles
Cell Culture Media
Blood Plasma and Serum
Breast Milk
Urine
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Collection and Processing of Cell Culture Media and Body Fluids Prior to Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles

Methods for Isolating Extracellular Vesicles
Differential Ultracentrifugation - Part 1
Differential Ultracentrifugation - Part 2
Density Gradient
Size Exclusion Chromatography
Kit-based Precipitation
Summary of Isolation Methods for Extracellular Vesicles
Methods for Isolating Extracellular Vesicles

Techniques for Characterization and Quantification of Extracellular Vesicles
Electron Microscopy - Part 1
Electron Microscopy - Part 2
Electron Microscopy - Part 3
Cryo-TEM
AFM
Flow Cytometry
Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Techniques for Characterization and Quantification of Extracellular Vesicles

Summary of User Reviews

This course on extracellular vesicles has received positive reviews for its in-depth coverage and practical applications. Many users appreciated the hands-on approach to learning about these important cellular structures.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The hands-on approach to learning about extracellular vesicles was highly praised by many users.

Pros from User Reviews

In-depth coverage of extracellular vesicles and their role in various biological processes
Practical applications for researchers and clinicians
Engaging and knowledgeable instructors
Flexible course format allows for self-paced learning
Access to a global community of learners

Cons from User Reviews

Some users felt that the course was too technical and difficult to follow
Limited focus on certain aspects of extracellular vesicles
Not enough opportunities for interaction with instructors or other learners
Course materials could be more organized and user-friendly
Lack of real-world examples or case studies

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