P-290 Isolation and characterization of extracellular vesicles from human endometrial organoids
Authors: Pavone V , Fasoli C , Giacomini E , Pagliardini L , Vanni V  S , Salmeri N , Schimberni M , Giardina P , Papaleo E , Candiani M 
Published: July 2024

Study question

Do human endometrial organoids produce extracellular vesicles (EVs)?

Summary answer

Endometrial organoids release EVs (ORG-EVs) that we successfully and comprehensively characterize according to guidelines.

What is known already

EVs play a crucial role in cellular communication, garnering increasing attention in physiological and pathological processes. Although the enormous potential of EVs has been extensively demonstrated across a large variety of research fields, the promise held by EVs derived from human endometrial organoids is still largely unexplored. Indeed, nowadays there is limited research available on the presence, role, and function of EVs derived from organoids of female reproductive tissue samples. This underscores the importance of adopting standardized methods for isolating, characterizing, and reporting findings, which is crucial for advancing in this promising and innovative, yet challenging, research field.

Study design, size, duration

This study involved establishing organoid cultures from endometrial biopsies of healthy women (n = 10) of reproductive age, who underwent ovarian surgery between January and October 2023. ORG-EVs were isolated using differential ultracentrifugation. Characterization of ORG-EVs, including assessment of their biophysical and biochemical properties, adhered to guidelines established by the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Endometrial specimens from 10 women were employed to establish organoid cultures. ORG-EVs were isolated from spent medium through differential ultracentrifugation. Morphology, size distribution and concentration analysis were performed using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA). Western blotting was used to confirm the presence of EVs markers.

Main results and the role of chance

TEM analysis confirmed the presence of isolated ORG-EVs, elucidating their morphology and structural integrity. NTA revealed that ORG-EVs had an average size of 160.4 ± 6.2 nm (mean ± SD) and a mean concentration of 5.2E+11 ± 2.1E+10 particles/ml (mean ± SD). Western blot analysis further confirmed the vesicular nature of the assessed particles, demonstrating positivity for standard EV markers such as tetraspanins (CD63 and CD9), and soluble proteins (ALIX and TSG101), while excluding the endoplasmic reticulum-resident protein calnexin (negative control). Additionally, ORG-EVs exhibited a positive signal for mucin1 (MUC1), a glycoprotein present on the surface of endometrial epithelial cells, thereby confirming their cellular origin.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is a pilot study, characterized by a small sample size requiring larger cohorts to validate results and, at the same time, to undertake deeper exploration of ORG-EVs’ molecular cargo. Emphasizing the critical need for standardized isolation and characterization methods is paramount.

Wider implications of the findings

Endometrial organoids enhance EVs production, providing a powerful tool for reproductive aspects studies, and improving regenerative medicine and artificial reproductive technology. These initial findings propel further exploration, unveiling of ORG-EVs’ molecular cargo aiming to elucidate their potential role in human female reproductive tissues and mechanism related to embryo implantation process.

Trial registration number

not applicable