Cargo molecules in plasma neural-derived extracellular vesicles reveal pathological signatures of primary open-angle glaucoma
Quick Facts
- Publication title: Cargo molecules in plasma neural-derived extracellular vesicles reveal pathological signatures of primary open-angle glaucoma
- Journal: J Transl Med
- Year: 2026
- DOI: 10.1186/s12967-026-08198-8
- PMID/PMCID: 42063079; PMC13277049
Research overview
The aim of this study was to isolate NDEVs from the peripheral blood of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and investigate molecular alterations. This study provides a novel strategy for the discovery of noninvasive biomarkers for neurological diseases and elucidation of their potential molecular mechanisms.
Key findings
Immunoelectron microscopic analysis confirmed that GLAST proteins were localized in the EV membrane.
Tau and GFAP levels were significantly elevated in the NDEVs of patients with POAG but not in cell-free plasma or total EVs, indicating the superior diagnostic value of these parameters for POAG.
The target genes of DE-miRs in L1CAM⁺ EVs were biased towards neuronal functions, whereas those in GLAST⁺ EVs were biased towards glial inflammation.
In the retinas of COH mice, the expression of miR-140-3p and miR-183-5p was significantly upregulated, which was consistent with the results of the human plasma NDEV sequencing.
Study design
NDEVs were immunoprecipitated using specific antibodies against L1CAM and GLAST and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and western blotting.
ELISA was used to validate the enrichment of CNS markers and retina-specific proteins in the NDEV subtypes.
The diagnostic efficacy of tau and GFAP in cell-free plasma, total EVs, and NDEVs for POAG was compared via ELISAs.
Echo Biotech Role
Echo Biotech contributed EV isolation and purification, EV characterization, miRNA profiling/sequencing and bioinformatic analysis; the study also used or cited Exosupur®.
Related platforms: Exoomics®, Research Reagents & Tools
Related services and capabilities: Biofluid EV Isolation & Purification, Tissue EV Isolation & Purification, EV Basic Characterization (TEM/NTA/WB), EV miRNA Profiling / Sequencing, Research Reagent / Product Supply
Related products or reagents: Exosupur® EV Isolation/Purification Kit
References
Original publication: Cargo molecules in plasma neural-derived extracellular vesicles reveal pathological signatures of primary open-angle glaucoma Journal of Translational Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1186/s12967-026-08198-8. PMID/PMCID: 42063079; PMC13277049.