ExoAssay™ Cell Culture Supernatant Overall Exosome CLIA Kit

Eukaryotic cells create exosomes, which are extracellular vesicles ranging in diameter from 30 to 150 nanometers. They play an important role in intercellular communication, influencing target cell functions by transporting a variety of intracellular substances such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Exosomes have a bilayer membrane that wraps the vesicle and is rich in lipids and surface proteins such as tetraspanins (CD9, CD63, CD81). Exosome secretion, transport, and distribution are all very complex and tightly regulated processes. Exosome creation starts with the formation of intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) within multivesicular bodies (MVBs), which are created by the invagination of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and Golgi apparatus. After maturing within MVBs, these ILVs fuse with the cell membrane, releasing exosomes into the extracellular environment and completing the exocytosis pathway.

Exosome secretion occurs via two primary pathways: constitutive secretion and controlled secretion. Constitutive secretion involves the Golgi network, whereas controlled secretion occurs when MVBs fuse with the plasma membrane. This fusion is facilitated by Rab proteins (e.g., Rab27a/b) and SNARE proteins, which ensure the proper release of exosomes. Exosomes are widely distributed throughout the body and can be found in a variety of biological fluids, including blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. They are carried through the circulation and lymphatic system, as well as diffusion within body fluids, and play various roles in tissues and organs. Exosomes in the central nervous system, for example, can pass the blood-brain barrier and carry biomolecules to the nervous system, helping to advance research into neurodegenerative diseases.

Figure 1. Key Mechanisms of Exosome Biology (Source: Gurung S, et al., 2021)

Exosomes play important roles in the development and progression of many illnesses. Exosomes affect angiogenesis and inflammatory responses in cardiovascular disorders via transporting miRNAs and proteins. For example, exosomes released by heart cells in diabetes and hypertension may include anti-angiogenic miRNAs, affecting cardiovascular health. Exosomes play an important role in neurodegenerative illnesses including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Exosomes in Parkinson's disease can transport α-synuclein, increasing neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, whereas those in Alzheimer's disease are related to β-amyloid accumulation and synaptic degradation. Exosomes in HIV infection can transport viral proteins and miRNAs, influencing the immune system and accelerating disease progression. In clinical applications, exosomes are extensively used for disease diagnosis and treatment. As biomarkers, exosomes can reflect disease progression and treatment efficacy. For example, in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer, exosome detection can provide valuable information. In therapy, exosomes can serve as drug delivery systems to transport therapeutic miRNAs, drugs, or genes for targeted treatment. Clinical trials have already validated the potential of exosomes in treating acute ischemic stroke, tumor immunotherapy, and more. Additionally, removing disease-promoting exosomes is an effective therapeutic strategy, such as using blood filtration devices to clear immunosuppressive exosomes or employing drugs to inhibit exosome production to combat diseases.

Exosome Detection Kit for Cell Culture Supernatant (CLIA)
Overall Exosome Assay Kit (CLIA)
ExoAssay™ CLIA Kit for Cell Culture Supernatant
Exosome Detection Kit (Chemiluminescence Immunoassay)