Salute e Benessere
Kanazawa University research: Decoding how cells communicate by high-speed imaging of molecular couriers
In this study, led by Keesiang Lim and Richard W. Wong , the team utilized HS-AFM to visualize the nanotopology of sEVs derived from HEK293T cells under physiological conditions. Their findings revealed distinct sEV subpopulations enriched with specific exosome markers, such as CD63 and CD81. Notably, they observed that sEVs smaller than 100 nm exhibited greater membrane rigidity and higher co-localization with exosomal markers compared to larger vesicles, which showed significant height fluctuations.
"Our study represents a major advancement in extracellular vesicle research," says Wong. "By leveraging HS-AFM videography, we can now directly observe the dynamic interactions of surface markers on individual sEVs, paving the way for the development of high-precision EV-based biomarkers."
This nanoscopic immunophenotyping approach has the potential to revolutionize early disease detection, particularly in cancer diagnostics, where exosome-based biomarkers are gaining attention. Additionally, the method could contribute to advancements in targeted drug delivery and regenerative medicine by enabling more precise characterization of therapeutic EVs.
Muhammad Isman Sandira , Keesiang Lim, Takeshi Yoshida , Elma Sakinatus Sajidah, Shinnosuke Narimatsu , Reon Imakawa, Kota Yoshimura, Goro Nishide , Yujia Qiu , Azuma Taoka , Masaharu Hazawa, Toshio Ando , Rikinari Hanayama, Richard W Wong, Nanoscopic Profiling of Small Extracellular Vesicles via High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy (HS-AFM) Videography, March 2025
DOI: 10.1002/jev2.70050
URL: https://isevjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jev2.70050
The research was supported by the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) of MEXT, Japan , along with funding from JST SPRING, MEXT/JSPS KAKENHI, JST CREST, Hokuriku Bank, Takeda Science Foundation, and Shimadzu Science Foundation.
Kimie Nishimura (Ms)
Project Planning and Outreach, NanoLSI Administration Office
Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University
Email: nanolsi-office@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp
Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan
Understanding nanoscale mechanisms of life phenomena by exploring "uncharted nano-realms".
Cells are the basic units of almost all life forms. We are developing nanoprobe technologies that allow direct imaging, analysis, and manipulation of the behavior and dynamics of important macromolecules in living organisms, such as proteins and nucleic acids, at the surface and interior of cells. We aim at acquiring a fundamental understanding of the various life phenomena at the nanoscale.
https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/
The WPI program was launched in 2007 by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to foster globally visible research centers boasting the highest standards and outstanding research environments. Numbering more than a dozen and operating at institutions throughout the country, these centers are given a high degree of autonomy, allowing them to engage in innovative modes of management and research. The program is administered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
https://www.eurekalert.org/newsportal/WPI
Main WPI program site: www.jsps.go.jp/english/e-toplevel
As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities.
The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa – a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas.
http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/
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