Exosomes and Extracellular Vesicles Analytical Challenges and Biological Implications

This book introduces a comprehensive overview of exosomes in biology for their roles in cell signalling. This edited collection of works by leading extracellular vesicle (EV) scientists and medical professionals introduces readers to various aspects of the rapidly expanding field of exosomes and extracellular vesicles. Contributing authors pay close attention to the analytical techniques and methods in this field, with a particular focus on mass spectrometry. The chapters cover areas including biological and therapeutic significance, novel methods for isolation of these EVs from human body fluids and cell culture media, and examples of their use in biomarker research and in therapeutic applications. This book provides an expert analysis of the latest advances in this field, including the isolation of EVs and their various applications. The highlighted chapters provide readers a broad overview of the relevant analytical challenges in EV science.

This book is of interest to both scientific researchers and medical practitioners, as well as graduate students in diverse areas of fundamental biology, physiology, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and analytical chemistry.

R. Kenneth (Ken) Marcus is currently Robert Adger Bowen of Chemistry at Clemson University. He received B.S. degrees in chemistry and physics from Longwood College in 1982 and his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Virgina in 1986 under the direction of Professor Willard W. Harrison. He has been at Clemson University since 1986 and as Full Professor since 1996. His research program has consistently centered on the development of novel analytical methodologies and technologies, beginning with an emphasis on plasma source mass spectrometry and evolving over the last 20 years to include novel stationary phases for the liquid chromatography separations of proteins. Most recently, his research group has focused on novel approaches to two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) and methods for the isolation and purification of extracellular vesicles. These developments have led to the awarding of over one dozen US patents.

David M. Lubman is currently Professor Emeritus of Surgery at the University of Michigan Medical Center. He received his A.B. from Cornell University in 1975 and his Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Stanford University in 1979 under the direction of Professor Richard N. Zare. He has been at the University of Michigan since 1983, as a Full Professor since 1991 and as the Maud T. Lane Professor from 2005. His present research interests involve developing new proteomic methods for searching for protein markers of cancer. These include 2D liquid mapping and mass spectrometry of tumor cells and serum and the development of protein microarray technology. Most recent studies involve the study of cancer stem cells, early detection of cancer, circulating tumor cells and exosomes, and changes in glycosylation during stages of cancer progression and therapeutic treatment. Various collaborations with clinical researchers include studies in ovarian, pancreatic, colon, HCC, GBM, bladder and breast cancer.