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Does extracting RNA from tissue also extract RNA from exosomes?
Theoretically, extracting RNA from tissue will also extract RNA from exosomes. However, the amount and variety of RNA extracted from tissue are certainly greater than those from exosomes. Because exosomes represent only a very small part relative to the tissue, and their contained materials are not equivalent.
For biomarker miRNAs, what are the differences between extracting from serum, exosomes, or whole blood? Which one is better?
For most studies involving Exosome RNA isolation, we recommend using plasma. Serum is the liquid collected after blood coagulation, so it lacks fibrinogen and clotting factors, and contains many coagulation products. Fibrinogen converts to fibrin, which has clotting function. During serum collection and coagulation, platelets are stimulated and release many exosomes and other vesicles. Therefore, the number of vesicles obtained from serum is always higher than from plasma, with over 50% potentially derived from platelets. Thus, plasma is a better medium for studying exosomes in pathophysiological states. Therefore, plasma is generally chosen for experiments. However, when studying diseases related to platelets, serum should be prioritized.
During blood collection, cells and platelets should be removed by prompt centrifugation, usually within 30 minutes, avoiding long storage. Also, plasma (or serum) should be separated at room temperature. The centrifugation speed and rotor type should be consistent for all samples.