The Exosome characterization and analysis Core (Core B) will provide the critical basis for the proposed projects by generating exosomes and carrying out their characterization together with content analysis for all three projects. The core will offer integrated services for exosome production and assessment of exosome contents from different stem cells including cardiac cells. Accordingly, Core B will maintain equipment and provide staffing to offer Projects the following services: 1) Exosome isolation and characterization, and 2) Assessment of exosome contents by molecular approaches. The Core is centrally located in the Center for Translational Medicine, medical education research building which houses the cardiovascular research center and administrative offices. The Exosome core is composed of fully equipped exosome production and molecular analysis units. PPG investigators will be able to fully utilize Core resources with the core designed specifically to serve this multi-institutional PPG. Accordingly, it will maximize collaborations between projects, thus enhancing the synergy of this integrated research program.
Exosome are tiny particles secreted by stem cells that can recapitulate benefits of the parent cells while circumventing burdens associated with direct stem cell administration. Furthermore, exosomes provide indication of intercellular changes in the cellular microenvironment and play an important role cell-cell communication. Exosome are loaded with proteins, mRNAs and microRNAs that are specific to the parent cells and regulate molecular processes once delivered to target cell types. Therefore the aim of this core is to characterize, isolate and analyze contents of exosomes from different stem cell types that will be utilized by all three projects.
