Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Apoptotic Biomarkers in Actinomycin D-Treated SiHa Cervical Cancer Cells
Published on: August 26, 2021
Molecular imaging of apoptosis in cancer
Juhana M Hakumäki1, Timo Liimatainen
1Cellular and Molecular Imaging Group, Department of Biomedical NMR, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Kuopio, PO Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland. juhana.hakumaki@uku.fi
Abstract:
Apoptosis plays an important role in cancer. Mechanisms hindering its action are implicated in a number of malignancies. Also, the induction of apoptosis plays a pivotal role in non-surgical cancer treatment regimes such as irradiation, chemotherapy, or hormones. Recent advanced in imaging science have made it now possible for us to detect and visualize previously inaccessible and even unrecognized biological phenomena in cells and tissue undergoing apoptosis in vivo. Not only are these imaging techniques painting an intriguing picture of the spatiotemporal characteristics and metabolic and biophysical of apoptosis in situ, but they are expected to have an ever increasing impact in preclinical testing and design of new anticancer agents as well. Rapid and accurate visualization of apoptotic response in the clinical settings can also be of significant diagnostic and prognostic worth. With the advent of molecular medicine and patient-tailored treatment options and therapeutic agents, such monitoring techniques are becoming paramount.
Insights
Advanced imaging techniques allow in vivo visualization of apoptosis, crucial for cancer treatment and drug development. These methods offer significant diagnostic and prognostic value in personalized medicine.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Imaging
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Apoptosis is critical in cancer development and treatment, with its inhibition linked to malignancies.
- Non-surgical cancer therapies like radiation and chemotherapy rely on inducing apoptosis.
- Recent advancements in imaging science enable in vivo visualization of apoptotic processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role and impact of advanced imaging techniques in studying apoptosis.
- To highlight the potential of these techniques in cancer research and clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- In vivo imaging techniques for detecting and visualizing apoptosis.
- Analysis of spatiotemporal, metabolic, and biophysical characteristics of apoptosis.
Main Results:
- Imaging provides unprecedented insights into apoptosis in situ.
- Demonstrates the utility of imaging in preclinical testing of anticancer agents.
Conclusions:
- Advanced imaging of apoptosis is vital for preclinical drug development.
- In vivo apoptosis visualization offers significant diagnostic and prognostic potential in clinical oncology.
- These monitoring techniques are essential for personalized medicine and tailored cancer therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
01:30Apoptosis