Basics of Extracellular Vesicles from Coursera

This course aims to provide the basic knowledge about extracellular vesicles (EV) a generic term including exosomes, microvesicles, microparticles, ectosomes, oncosomes, prostasomes, and many others. It covers areas such as EV history, nomenclature, biogenesis, EV cargo as well as the release and uptake mechanisms, collection and processing prior to isolation, different isolation methods, characterization and quantification techniques.

This course is divided into five modules. Module 1 is an introduction to the field and will cover the nomenclature and the history of EVs. Module 2 will focus on the biogenesis, release and uptake mechanisms of EVs as well as the different EV cargos (RNA, protein, lipids). In Module 3, we will focus on the collection and processing of cell culture media and body fluids such as blood, breast milk, cerebrospinal fluid and urine prior to isolation of EVs. Module 4 and 5 will present different isolation methods and characterization/quantification techniques, respectively. Here differential ultracentrifugation, size exclusion chromatography, density gradient, kit based precipitation, electron microscopy (EM), cryo-TEM, flow cytometry, atomic-force microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis will be presented.

The recommended prerequisites are college-freshman-level biology and biochemistry.

After a completed course you should be able to:

+ Discuss the nomenclature and subgroups of extracellular vesicles.

+ Describe the RNA, protein and lipid content of extracellular vesicles.

+ Describe the basic concepts about the most common isolation and characterization techniques and how these techniques are used in the EV field.

+ State the benefits and limitations of the most common isolation and characterization techniques for extracellular vesicles. + Explain the considerations that are important during the collection and isolation of EVs from different body fluid.

+ Describe the release and uptake mechanisms of extracellular vesicles

All lectures are given in English.

Each of the five modules will be followed by an exam. All exams will be in the format of multiple choice questions.

The course is organized in collaboration between the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV), University of California Irvine (USA), University of Gothenburg (Sweden) and Pohang University of Science and Technology (South Korea).

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Course and the Field of Extracellular Vesicles

In this module, we will introduce the course and the field of extracellular vesicles. We will discuss the nomenclature and the history of extracellular vesicles as well as the organisms and places that have been shown to release/contain extracellular vesicles.

Biogenesis, Cargo and Uptake of Extracellular Vesicles

In this module, we will focus on the biogenesis and release of extracellular vesicles as well as the uptake mechanisms of extracellular vesicles when they are encountered by a recipient cell. This module also covers the different RNA, protein and lipid types present in extracellular vesicles as well as a brief overview what the functions of these molecules are. Furthermore, the techniques that are commonly used to detect these molecules as well as databases that can be useful to use when analyzing the cargo of extracellular vesicles will be highlighted.

Collection and Processing of Cell Culture Media and Body Fluids Prior to Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles

In this module, we will focus on the collection and processing of cell culture media and body fluids prior to isolation of extracellular vesicles. We will discuss some of the considerations and guidelines that are important during the collection of staring material and isolation of extracellular vesicles. This module will help you with the different choices, such as anticoagulants, collection time points and protein inhibitors, which are important for the outcome when working with a particular body fluid compared to conditional media or other body fluids. This module will also illustrate some example of studies on extracellular vesicles from body fluid such as blood, urine, breast milk and cerebrospinal fluid and why it is of interest to analyse extracellular vesicles from these body fluids.

Methods for Isolating Extracellular Vesicles

This module highlights some of the different methods used to isolate extracellular vesicles. Here the basic concepts for methods such as differential ultracentrifugation, density gradient, size exclusion and kit-based precipitation will be covered and some guidelines will be presented. Furthermore, this module will cover how the techniques are used in the field of extracellular vesicles as well as their limitations and benefits.

Techniques for Characterization and Quantification of Extracellular Vesicles

This module highlights some of the different techniques used to characterize extracellular vesicles. Here the basic concepts for techniques such as electron microscopy (EM), cryo-TEM, flow cytometry, atomic-force microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis will be covered and some guidelines will be presented. Furthermore, this module will cover how the techniques are used in the field of extracellular vesicles as well as their limitations and benefits.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Cecilia Lasser and other instructors from University of California Irvine, University of Gothenburg, and Pohang University of Science and Technology, who are recognized for their work in extracellular vesicles

Builds a strong foundation for beginners about extracellular vesicles, covering their history, types, biogenesis and uptake mechanisms

Examines the biogenesis, release and uptake mechanisms of extracellular vesicles, which is highly relevant to understanding their role in intercellular communication

Develops a foundational understanding of how to collect and process body fluids for extracellular vesicle isolation

Taught by the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles, who are recognized for their work in the field

Explores the use of various isolation methods for extracellular vesicles, a key aspect in research and clinical applications

Reviews summary

Well received ev course

According to students, Basics of Extracellular Vesicles is a largely positive introductory course for students new to the field. Short videos and quizzes support the informative and engaging lectures, as well as updated course materials and real-world research experience from the course instructors. The well-organized format makes it easy to follow the course and learn about EV research.

The course material includes the latest research in the EV field.

"The course material is updated. The speakers mention new findings and recommendations about how to perform EV research with the most current acceptable standard, which majority are similar to the articles I have read for the summary table."

Concepts are presented clearly in short, focused videos.

"It consists of short videos (10–30 minutes each) to explain many aspects of EVs, which are easy to follow."

"Very interesting and simple to understand."

Quizzes and weekly assessments make for an engaging learning experience.

"They use quizzes per week with a minimum score to achieve, encouraging us to read the material carefully."

The course consists of presentations from EV experts around the world.

"It was a great experience to learn from the top researchers from the field of Extracellular Vesicles."

"I also loved that this course was taught by scientists all around the world working in collaboration."

Some learners had difficulty understanding the audio in some of the lectures.

"I am sorry to say that many parts of the lecture provided by the Korean professor is inaudible......SO you can only learn from his slides :("

"Some of the lecturers in this course were really fantastic! I also appreciate the format and structure, as well as the depth of topics covered, it made a lot of sense and was easy to follow. I learned a lot and got some great reference notes for my own research. A suggestion I have to improve the learning experience would be to make the slides accessible for download, so that students can take their notes directly onto slides and keep up better, rather than having to pause and rewind every few minutes."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Basics of Extracellular Vesicles with these activities:

Isolate and Identify Extracellular Vesicles

Show steps

Helps you apply and integrate the concepts of EV isolation and identification by carrying out a practical experiment.

Show steps

Select a suitable source material for EV isolation (e.g., cell culture supernatant, blood, urine).
Choose appropriate EV isolation methods and optimize the isolation protocol.
Characterize the isolated EVs using techniques like nanoparticle tracking analysis and Western blotting.

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Basics of Extracellular Vesicles will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Laboratory Manager

Laboratory Managers oversee the daily operations of research laboratories, ensuring that experiments are conducted efficiently and safely. A comprehensive understanding of extracellular vesicles, as provided by this course, is essential for Laboratory Managers to effectively manage EV-related research projects. They can use this knowledge to optimize laboratory protocols, troubleshoot experiments, and ensure the quality and integrity of EV samples.

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Research Associate

Research Associates in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies play a critical role in advancing scientific research and drug development. This course provides a solid foundation in extracellular vesicles, enabling Research Associates to contribute more effectively to projects involving EV isolation, characterization, and analysis. They can use this knowledge to design and execute experiments, interpret data, and develop new strategies for EV-based therapies.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design and develop medical devices and technologies. With the knowledge gained from this course, Biomedical Engineers can gain a deeper understanding of extracellular vesicles and their potential applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. This can help them to design more effective and targeted devices for EV detection, isolation, and analysis.

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Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical Research Coordinators assist in the design and implementation of clinical trials. This course can provide them with a strong foundation in extracellular vesicles, enabling them to better understand the role of EVs in disease and the development of new treatments. This knowledge can help them to effectively manage clinical trial protocols, recruit and enroll patients, and collect and analyze data related to EVs.

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Medical Science Liaison

Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) apply their scientific knowledge to act as a vital link between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers. They may work in a particular therapeutic area, such as oncology or immunology, and must be familiar with the latest research and clinical data. With the knowledge gained from this course, MSLs can deepen their understanding of extracellular vesicles and their role in disease. This can help them to better communicate the potential applications of new treatments and therapies to healthcare providers.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a wider audience. This course can provide Science Writers with a comprehensive understanding of extracellular vesicles, enabling them to effectively write and report on the latest advancements in EV research. They can use this knowledge to create engaging and informative articles, blog posts, and other content that helps to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the importance of EVs.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to analyze and interpret data in biomedical research. This course can provide Biostatisticians with a foundation in extracellular vesicle research, enabling them to design and analyze studies involving EV isolation, characterization, and quantification. They can use this knowledge to develop statistical models, analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions about the role of EVs in health and disease.

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Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare Consultants provide advice and guidance to healthcare organizations on a variety of topics, including strategy, operations, and technology. This course can provide Healthcare Consultants with a comprehensive understanding of extracellular vesicles, enabling them to better understand the potential applications of EVs in healthcare and advise their clients on how to leverage this technology to improve patient care.

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Patent Attorney

Patent Attorneys specialize in the legal protection of inventions and discoveries. This course can provide Patent Attorneys with a foundation in extracellular vesicle technology, enabling them to better understand the patenting process and represent clients in this emerging field. They can use this knowledge to draft and file patents, negotiate licensing agreements, and provide legal advice to companies and researchers working in the field of EV research.

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Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers are responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities. This course can provide Business Development Managers with a foundation in extracellular vesicle technology, enabling them to better understand the potential applications of EVs in various industries and identify new markets for EV-based products and services. They can use this knowledge to develop partnerships, negotiate contracts, and drive business growth.

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Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage companies with high growth potential. This course can provide Venture Capitalists with a foundation in extracellular vesicle technology, enabling them to better evaluate investment opportunities in this emerging field. They can use this knowledge to identify promising companies, conduct due diligence, and make informed investment decisions.

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Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development, launch, and marketing of new products. This course can provide Product Managers with a comprehensive understanding of extracellular vesicles, enabling them to better understand the market for EV-based products and develop strategies for successful product launches. They can use this knowledge to identify customer needs, define product features, and create marketing campaigns that effectively reach target audiences.

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Sales Representative

Sales Representatives are responsible for selling products and services to customers. This course can provide Sales Representatives with a comprehensive understanding of extracellular vesicles, enabling them to better understand the benefits and applications of EV-based products and services. They can use this knowledge to effectively communicate the value proposition of these products and services to potential customers and close deals.

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Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers are responsible for managing the public image of organizations and individuals. This course can provide Public Relations Managers with a foundation in extracellular vesicle technology, enabling them to better understand the potential impact of EV research on public opinion and develop effective communication strategies. They can use this knowledge to build relationships with the media, manage crises, and promote a positive image of EV research and its applications.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote products and services. This course can provide Marketing Managers with a foundation in extracellular vesicle technology, enabling them to better understand the target market for EV-based products and services and develop effective marketing campaigns. They can use this knowledge to create brand awareness, generate leads, and drive sales.

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Basics of Extracellular Vesicles

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