Authors: Shridhar Sanghvi, Divya Sridharan, Parker Evans, Julie Dougherty, Kalina Szteyn, Denis Gabrilovich, Mayukha Dyta, Jessica Weist, Sandrine V. Pierre, Shubha Gururaja Rao, Dan R. Halm, Tingting Chen, Panagiotis S. Athanasopoulos, Amalia M. Dolga, Lianbo Yu, Mahmood Khan and Harpreet Singh
Nature Communications, 02 January 2025
Researchers use Axion BioSystems’ next-generation Maestro MEA to investigate the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs).
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are associated with many cellular functions and signaling pathways. EVs are known to include ion channels and transporters, but the function is not understood. In this study, researchers use Axion BioSystems’ Maestro multielectrode array (MEA) platform to explore the role of these ion channels in EV-mediated signaling.
EVs containing BKCa channels were positively correlated with the presence of cardioprotective miRNAs. Researchers used the Maestro to evaluate the cardioprotective potential of these EVs and miRNAs. hiPSC-CMs were treated with H2O2 to model oxidative stress, and cells were treated with EVs (containing or not containing BKCa) or miRNA mimics or inhibitors. Ultimately, BKCa-containing EVs and associated miR-23a conferred cardioprotective effects against oxidative stress, as measured by beat period on the Maestro.
In summary, the authors conclude that new insights into EVs may lead to clinical applications and that, “By utilizing the unique properties of EVs, we may develop new diagnostic tools and therapies that leverage their roles in cellular communication and disease processes.”
