Flow Cytometry Analysis of Gangliosides Expressed on Extracellular Vesicles.

In flow cytometry analysis, molecules on cells can be detected by labeling with antibodies or other reagents. However, extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by cells are of a small particle size, making it difficult to detect molecules on EVs using conventional flow cytometry. Here, we describe a method for isolating EVs secreted by cells and report a flow cytometry analysis for gangliosides on EVs. By using Tim4-conjugated beads, which bind specifically to EVs, molecules expressed on EVs can be easily detected even with flow cytometry.