Multiplexed analysis of a single EV (MASEV) reveals unique biomarker composition with diagnostic impact
Exosomes and extracellular vesicles (EV) are increasingly being explored as circulating biomarkers, but their heterogenous composition will likely mandate the development of single EV technologies. Highly multiplexed analyses of single EVs have been challenging to implement beyond a few colors during spectral sensing. We use a multiplexed analysis of the single EV technique (MASEV) to interrogate thousands of individual EVs during 5 cycles of multi-channel fluorescence staining for 15 EV biomarkers. Contrary to the common belief, we show that i) several “ubiquitous” markers are much less common than believed; ii) that multiple biomarkers concur in single vesicles but only in small fractions, iii) that affinity purification can lead to loss of rare EV subtypes, and iv) that deep profiling allows detailed analysis of EV potentially improving the diagnostic content. These findings establish the potential of MASEV for uncovering fundamental EV biology and heterogeneity and increasing diagnostic specificity. Graphical abstract Multiplexed analysis of single EV (MASEV) allows robust protein profiling at the single EV level, a prerequisite for early cancer detection or organ of origin determination. Multiplexed analysis of single EV (MASEV) allows robust protein profiling at the single EV level, a prerequisite for early cancer detection or organ of origin determination.