Isolation and characterization of small extracellular vesicles from murine primary mammary tumor

STAR Protoc. 2024 Mar 15;5(1):102783. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102783. Epub 2023 Dec 15.

Abstract

Tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles (TEVs) play a pivotal role in cancer progression by transferring functional biomolecules between the parental and recipient cells. Here, we present a protocol to isolate TEVs directly from murine primary mammary tumor using differential centrifugation. We describe steps for tissue dissociation, enzymatic digestion, and centrifugation. We then detail procedures for characterization of TEVs through transmission electron microscopy, immunoblotting, and nano-flow cytometry. This protocol can be used to extract EVs from other solid tumor types. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Li, Mei-Xin et al. (2023).1.

Keywords: Cancer; Cell Biology; Cell isolation.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Centrifugation
  • Extracellular Vesicles*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Immunoblotting
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Animal*
  • Mice