Cell culture-derived extracellular vesicles: Considerations for reporting cell culturing parameters

Journal of Extracellular Biology, 2023 · DOI: 10.1002/jex2.115 · Published: September 17, 2023

Simple Explanation

Cell culture-conditioned medium (CCM) is a valuable source of extracellular vesicles (EVs) for basic scientific, therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Cell culturing parameters affect the biochemical composition, release and possibly the function of CCM-derived EVs (CCM-EV). The CCM-EV task force of the Rigor and Standardization Subcommittee of the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles aims to identify relevant cell culturing parameters, describe their effects based on current knowledge, recommend reporting parameters and identify outstanding questions.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Different cells may have different basal rates of EV production. For example, EV yield and function may differ between MSCs derived from different donors and tissue sources
2
The biochemical composition and function of EVs released by cells cultured in the presence of EV-depleted serum may not be identical to those released in the presence of EV-containing serum.
3
Cells can ingest components that are present in the media and re-package them into or onto EVs.

Research Summary

In this perspective paper, we aim to raise awareness of the effects of cell culturing parameters (Figure 2a) that may affect EV release (Figure 2b), biochemical composition, and/or function (Figure 2c). Cells can ingest components that are present in the media and re-package them into or onto EVs (Figure 2d). We therefore emphasize the importance of rigorous reporting of all cell culture parameters to enable researchers to better compare experimental in vitro and in vivo data and pre-clinical and clinical outcomes.

Practical Implications

Improve Reproducibility

Transparent reporting of cell culturing parameters is crucial to improve the reproducibility of CCM-EV research.

Enhance Comparability

Rigorous reporting of all cell culture parameters enables researchers to better compare experimental in vitro and in vivo data, pre-clinical and clinical outcomes.

Advance Understanding

Detailed reporting of cell culture parameters promotes a comprehensive understanding of the biological functions of EVs.

Study Limitations

1
Mechanisms by which changes in cell culture impact EVs are not well discussed.
2
Efficiency of EV depletion methods varies and monitoring is difficult.
3
Current understanding of the influences of cell culture parameters on EVs is far from complete.

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