SYTO probes in the cytometry of tumor cell death
Donald Wlodkowic1, Joanna Skommer, Zbigniew Darzynkiewicz
1The Bioelectronics Research Center, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom. donaldwlodkowic@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Apoptosis is a complex and finely controlled cell death process of great relevance in tissue homeostasis and pathogenesis. The majority of classical apoptotic features can be examined by flow as well as image cytometry. Therefore, cytometry has been used as a technology of choice in studies of tumor cell demise. As search for new and more effective anticancer agents is still ongoing, there is undoubtedly a need for further development of high-throughput screening platforms. Assays that allow multivariate characterization of cell death events in response to novel anticancer regimens are of particular significance. In this context, patented DNA-binding SYTO probes are gaining increasing interest as easy to use markers of caspase-dependent cell death. They are proving convenient for tracking apoptosis in diverse cell lines as well as in primary tumor samples. In this review, we outline most recent developments in the use of SYTO probes in cell necrobiology. We also present pilot characterization of novel SYTO orange stains (SYTO80 and SYTO81) and discuss their potential applications in cytometry of apoptosis. Finally, we provide a future outlook on SYTO probes in cytometric and microfluidics (Lab-on-a-Chip) high content analysis applications.
Insights
SYTO probes offer a user-friendly method for tracking apoptosis, a crucial cell death process. New SYTO orange stains show promise for advanced cytometry in cancer research and drug screening.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Apoptosis is a critical, regulated cell death process vital for tissue homeostasis and disease pathogenesis.
- Cytometry techniques are established for analyzing apoptotic features, particularly in tumor cell death studies.
- Developing high-throughput screening platforms is essential for discovering novel anticancer agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in SYTO probe applications for studying cell death (necrobiology).
- To present initial characterization of novel SYTO orange stains (SYTO80, SYTO81).
- To discuss the potential of these probes in apoptosis cytometry and high-content analysis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on SYTO probes in cell necrobiology.
- Pilot characterization of SYTO80 and SYTO81 probes.
- Discussion of applications in flow cytometry, image cytometry, and microfluidic systems.
Main Results:
- SYTO probes are effective, easy-to-use markers for caspase-dependent apoptosis.
- The probes are suitable for diverse cell lines and primary tumor samples.
- Novel SYTO orange stains demonstrate potential for apoptosis analysis via cytometry.
Conclusions:
- SYTO probes are valuable tools for studying apoptosis and evaluating anticancer agents.
- New SYTO orange stains expand the utility of these probes in cell death analysis.
- SYTO probes are poised for significant roles in high-content cytometric and microfluidic applications.
