Cilia-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Caenorhabditis Elegans: In Vivo Imaging and Quantification of Extracellular Vesicle Release and Capture.

ABSTRACT

Caenorhabditis elegans is a microscopic model nematode characterized by body transparency and ease of genetic manipulation. Release of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is observed from different tissues; of particular interest are the EVs released by the cilia of sensory neurons. C. elegans ciliated sensory neurons produce EVs that are environmentally released and/or captured by neighboring glial cells. In this chapter, we describe a methodological approach to image the biogenesis, release, and capture of EVs by glial cells in anesthetized animals. This method will allow the experimenter to visualize and quantify the release of ciliary-derived EVs.