Age-Related Changes in Plasma Extracellular Vesicle Characteristics and Internalization by Leukocytes

Erez Eitan, Jamal Green, Monica Bodogai, Nicolle A. Mode, Rikke Bæk, Malene M. Jørgensen, David W. Freeman, Kenneth W. Witwer, Alan B. Zonderman, Arya Biragyn, Mark P. Mattson, Nicole Noren Hooten, Michele K. Evans

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

84 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cells release lipid-bound extracellular vesicles (EVs; exosomes, microvesicles and apoptotic bodies) containing proteins, lipids and RNAs into the circulation. Vesicles mediate intercellular communication between both neighboring and distant cells. There is substantial interest in using EVs as biomarkers for age-related diseases including cancer, and neurodegenerative, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The majority of research focuses on identifying differences in EVs when comparing disease states and matched controls. Here, we analyzed circulating plasma EVs in a cross-sectional and longitudinal study in order to address age-related changes in community-dwelling individuals. We found that EV concentration decreases with advancing age. Furthermore, EVs from older individuals were more readily internalized by B cells and increased MHC-II expression on monocytes compared with EVs from younger individuals, indicating that the decreased concentration of EVs with age may be due in part to increased internalization. EVs activated both monocytes and B cells, and activation of B cells by LPS enhanced EV internalization. We also report a relative stability of EV concentration and protein amount in individual subjects over time. Our data provide important information towards establishing a profile of EVs with human age, which will further aid in the development of EV-based diagnostics for aging and age-related diseases.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number1342
JournalScientific reports
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Age-Related Changes in Plasma Extracellular Vesicle Characteristics and Internalization by Leukocytes'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this