Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
Preparation of Cell-lines for Conditional Knockdown of Gene Expression and Measurement of the Knockdown Effects on E4orf4-Induced Cell Death
Published on: October 21, 2012
A genetic selection method for expression products that induce apoptosis in adherent mammalian cell lines
R Sandrock1, W Wheatley, E Drees
1Deltagen Proteomics, Inc., 615 Arapeen Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
Abstract:
The process of apoptosis is carefully controlled in cells, and different cell types display different sensitivities to pro-apoptotic stimuli. The prospect of exploiting such differences for treatment of diseases such as cancer, via novel therapeutic agents, is extremely attractive. Therefore, genetic selections for novel expression products that kill cells may have considerable value. However, such selections are difficult to devise and perform because the selected cells do not grow. We developed a selection scheme designed to enrich for genetic agents that kill cells. The selection is based on detachment of apoptotic cultured mammalian cells from adherent monolayers. We characterized the properties of these detached cells (floating cells), and various aspects of the selection process. This selection method is potentially applicable to many mammalian cell lines.
Insights
Scientists developed a new method to find cell-killing agents by selecting for cells undergoing apoptosis, or programmed cell death. This technique uses the detachment of dying cells from cultures to identify promising cancer therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a tightly regulated cellular process.
- Differential sensitivity to apoptosis exists across various cell types.
- Targeting apoptosis is a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel selection scheme for identifying genetic agents that induce cell killing.
- To overcome challenges in selecting for non-proliferating apoptotic cells.
- To enable the discovery of new therapeutic agents targeting cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- A selection scheme based on the detachment of apoptotic mammalian cells from adherent monolayers was developed.
- Characterization of the properties of detached (floating) apoptotic cells.
- Evaluation of the selection process for enriching cell-killing genetic agents.
Main Results:
- The developed selection scheme successfully enriches for genetic agents that induce cell death.
- The detachment of apoptotic cells from monolayers serves as a reliable selection criterion.
- The method is adaptable to various mammalian cell lines.
Conclusions:
- A novel and effective selection method for identifying apoptosis-inducing agents has been established.
- This technique facilitates the discovery of potential anti-cancer therapeutics.
- The selection process is broadly applicable to mammalian cell culture systems.
More Related Videos
12:28Establishing Cell Lines Overexpressing DR3 to Assess the Apoptotic Response to Anti-mitotic Therapeutics
Published on: January 11, 2019
09:57Real Time Detection of In Vitro Tumor Cell Apoptosis Induced by CD8+ T Cells to Study Immune Suppressive Functions of Tumor-infiltrating Myeloid Cells
Published on: January 29, 2019
