Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
Published on: December 27, 2016
Preferential induction of apoptotic cell death in melanoma cells as compared with normal keratinocytes using a
Shoshanna N Zucker1, Jennifer Zirnheld, Archis Bagati
1Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA. shoshanna.zucker@roswellpark.org
Abstract:
Selective induction of apoptosis in melanoma cells is optimal for therapeutic development. To achieve this goal, a non-thermal helium plasma torch was modified for use on cultured cells in a temperature-controlled environment. Melanoma cells were targeted with this torch (1) in parallel cultures with keratinocytes, (2) in co-culture with keratinocytes and (3) in a soft agar matrix. Melanoma cells displayed high sensitivity to reactive oxygen species generated by the torch and showed a 6-fold increase in cell death compared with keratinocytes. The extent of cell death was compared between melanoma cells and normal human keratinocytes in both short-term (5 min) co-culture experiments and longer assessments of apoptotic cell death (18-24 h). Following a 10 sec plasma exposure there was a 4.9-fold increase in the cell death of melanoma vs. keratinocytes as measured after 24 h at the target site of the plasma beam. When the treatment time was increased to 30 sec, a 98% cell death was reported for melanoma cells, which was 6-fold greater than the extent of cell death in keratinocytes. Our observations further indicate that this preferential cell death is largely due to apoptosis.. In addition, we report that this non-thermal plasma torch kills melanoma cells growing in soft agar, suggesting that the plasma torch is capable of inducing melanoma cell death in 3D settings. We demonstrate that the presence of gap junctions may increase the area of cell death, likely due to the "bystander effect" of passing apoptotic signals between cells. Our findings provide a basis for further development of this non-invasive plasma torch as a potential treatment for melanoma.
Insights
Non-thermal helium plasma selectively induces apoptosis in melanoma cells, sparing normal keratinocytes. This innovative approach shows promise for melanoma treatment, even in 3D cultures.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dermatology
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- Selective apoptosis induction in melanoma is crucial for effective cancer therapy.
- Non-thermal plasma offers a novel approach for targeted cell death induction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a modified non-thermal helium plasma torch for selective melanoma cell apoptosis.
- To assess the plasma torch's effectiveness in various cellular environments, including 2D and 3D cultures.
Main Methods:
- Cultured melanoma cells and human keratinocytes were exposed to helium plasma in parallel and co-culture settings.
- Cell death was quantified after short-term exposure and longer apoptotic assessments (18-24 h).
- Melanoma cells in a soft agar matrix (3D) were also treated to evaluate efficacy in a more complex environment.
Main Results:
- Melanoma cells exhibited significantly higher sensitivity to plasma-induced reactive oxygen species, resulting in a 6-fold increase in cell death compared to keratinocytes.
- A 30-second plasma exposure led to 98% melanoma cell death, demonstrating a 6-fold greater effect than on keratinocytes.
- The plasma torch effectively induced melanoma cell death in 3D soft agar cultures, indicating potential for treating solid tumors.
Conclusions:
- Non-thermal helium plasma can selectively induce apoptosis in melanoma cells while sparing normal keratinocytes.
- The plasma torch demonstrates efficacy in both 2D and 3D cell culture models, suggesting its potential as a non-invasive melanoma treatment.
- Further development of this plasma technology is warranted for clinical application in melanoma therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:17The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
01:30Apoptosis
01:30Overview 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...