New guidelines to uncover the physiology of extracellular vesicles

Abstract

New guidelines to uncover the physiology of extracellular vesiclesExtracellular vesicles (EVs)-nanosized membraneenclosed particles containing cellular RNA, lipids, and proteins-are secreted from cells into body fluids such as urine and plasma. The EVs provide exciting opportunities to understand human and animal physiology in that they can be used as liquid biopsies to gain mechanistic insight into complex conditions, such as hypertension. 1 Moreover, EVs may serve as vehicles for intercellular communication, potentially adding new layers to the understanding of physiology. However, challenges to purify, characterize, and determine, for example, the intercellular transfer of EVs, have remained a hurdle to realizing the potential of EVs. To address these challenges, the International Society of Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) has published the "Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles" (MISEV) as a guideline for best practices in EV research. An updated version-MISEV2023 2 -has been published and contains essential information on the advantages and limitations of current methods to study EV biology. This article will highlight new additions to the MISEV2023 critical for determining the physiological role of EVs.