Glycome analysis of extracellular vesicles derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells using lectin microarray

Glycans are one of the major building blocks of extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, their roles and applications have not been completely explored. Here, we analyzed the glycome of EVs derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) using high-density lectin microarray. The glycan profiles of hiPSC-derived EVs were different from those of non-hiPSC-derived EVs. Moreover, rBC2LCN that shows specific binding to hiPSCs, showed strong specificity for hiPSC-derived EVs but not non-hiPSCs-derived EVs. Further, other hiPSC-specific probes, such as anti-TRA-1-60, anti-SSEA4, and anti-R-10G, exhibited specific, but weaker binding to hiPSC-derived EVs than rBC2LCN. We then developed a sandwich assay using rBC2LCN and a phosphatidylserine receptor, Tim4, to specifically detect hiPSC-derived EVs. The Tim4–rBC2LCN sandwich assay allowed for specific detection of hiPSC-derived EVs but not non-hiPSC-derived EVs, indicating that rBC2LCN could also be used for the specific detection of hiPSC-derived EVs. Together, our findings demonstrate that the characteristic glycan signature of hiPSCs are retained by EVs derived from them. The EV glycome could be novel targets for the identification and characterization of stem cells for use in regenerative medicine.