Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Use of LysoTracker to Detect Programmed Cell Death in Embryos and Differentiating Embryonic Stem Cells
Published on: October 11, 2012
Molecular recognition mechanisms for detecting cell death in vivo
1Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA. mzhao@mcw.edu
Abstract:
The noninvasive detection of cell death has significant diagnostic values. Molecular events in apoptosis and necrosis are a source of valuable surrogate markers for the detection of cell death. Two classes of imaging agents are being developed for imaging caspase activities and redistribution of membrane phospholipids, respectively. The current review looks at the molecular recognition mechanisms of existing and emerging agents in the physiological context of the surrogate markers. The imaging of caspase activities using substrate-derived agents has the advantage of high selectivity and can potentially allow the dissection of individual apoptotic pathways in vivo. The detection of membrane phospholipid redistribution using extracellular agents has the advantage of high target density and accessibility. The strength and limitations of each approach are discussed. Overall, in order to develop appropriate imaging techniques, it is important to understand the interactions between the agent and surogate markers on a molecular as well as physiological level. Such information is vital for fully appreciating the potential utilities of an imaging strategy.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Cell Death
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Necrosis
Morphological Manifestations of Necrosis
Necrotic cells show different types of morphological appearance depending on the type of tissue and infection. In coagulative necrosis, cells become anucleated and die, but their...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death

