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Flow Cytometric Analysis of Apoptotic Biomarkers in Actinomycin D-Treated SiHa Cervical Cancer Cells
Published on: August 26, 2021
Flow cytometry-based apoptosis detection
Donald Wlodkowic1, Joanna Skommer, Zbigniew Darzynkiewicz
1The Bioelectronics Research Center, University of Glasgow, Rankine Building, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|July 18, 2009
Summary
This chapter details cytometry methods for studying apoptosis, a key cell death process. These techniques rapidly assess cell demise hallmarks like mitochondrial potential and DNA fragmentation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is characterized by distinct morphological and biochemical features.
- These features vary based on cellular stimuli and cell type.
- Flow and image cytometry are powerful tools for rapidly examining apoptotic hallmarks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline commonly used cytometric methods for identifying apoptotic cells.
- To describe techniques for probing the mechanisms of apoptosis.
- To provide a resource for researchers studying cellular demise.
Main Methods:
- Assessment of mitochondrial transmembrane potential.
- Measurement of caspase activation.
- Analysis of plasma membrane alterations.
- Detection of DNA fragmentation.
Main Results:
- Cytometry enables rapid and efficient identification of apoptotic cells.
- A variety of cytometric methods have been developed to study apoptosis mechanisms.
- The outlined methods provide a comprehensive approach to analyzing apoptotic events.
Conclusions:
- Cytometry is a versatile technology for studying cellular demise.
- The described methods offer valuable insights into apoptosis.
- These techniques are crucial for diverse research applications in cell biology.
