Large Extracellular Vesicles: Have We Found the Holy Grail of Inflammation?

The terms microparticles (MPs) and microvesicles (MVs) refer to large extracellular vesicles (EVs) generated from a broad spectrum of cells upon its activation or death by apoptosis. The unique surface antigens of MPs/MVs allow for the identification of their cellular origin as well as its functional characterization. Two basic aspects of MP/MV functions in physiology and pathological conditions are widely considered.

Multi-Surface Antigen Staining of Larger Extracellular Vesicles.

Larger extracellular vesicles, microparticles (MPs) or microvesicles (MVs), especially their acquisition and characterization by flow cytometry (FACS), is increasingly in focus of clinical/translational research efforts. Several laboratories have shown that MPs/MVs might be suitable for the diagnosis and predicting prognosis in various diseases including cancer. However, FACS staining of larger extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be difficult and results potentially in false positive and inconsistent data interpretation.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 4 channel contributes to migration of androgen-insensitive prostate cancer cells.

Impaired Ca2+ signaling in prostate cancer contributes to several cancer hallmarks, such as enhanced proliferation and migration and a decreased ability to induce apoptosis. Na+ influx via transient receptor potential melastatin 4 channel (TRPM4) can reduce store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) by decreasing the driving force for Ca2+. In patients with prostate cancer, gene expression of TRPM4 is elevated.