Molecular imaging of apoptosis: from micro to macro
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Updated: Apr 15, 2026
Synthesis of an In vivo MRI-detectable Apoptosis Probe
Published on: July 31, 2012
Wenbin Zeng1, Xiaobo Wang1, Pengfei Xu1
11. School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Molecular Imaging Research Centre, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China;
Abstract:
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is involved in numerous human conditions including neurodegenerative diseases, ischemic damage, autoimmune disorders and many types of cancer, and is often confused with other types of cell death. Therefore strategies that enable visualized detection of apoptosis would be of enormous benefit in the clinic for diagnosis, patient management, and development of new therapies. In recent years, improved understanding of the apoptotic machinery and progress in imaging modalities have provided opportunities for researchers to formulate microscopic and macroscopic imaging strategies based on well-defined molecular markers and/or physiological features. Correspondingly, a large collection of apoptosis imaging probes and approaches have been documented in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we mainly discuss microscopic imaging assays and macroscopic imaging probes, ranging in complexity from simple attachments of reporter moieties to proteins that interact with apoptotic biomarkers, to rationally designed probes that target biochemical changes. Their clinical translation will also be our focus.
Insights
Visualizing programmed cell death (apoptosis) aids in diagnosing diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. This review covers microscopic and macroscopic imaging probes for better clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical imaging
- Molecular biology
- Cell death research
Background:
- Apoptosis is crucial in human diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration.
- Distinguishing apoptosis from other cell death types is challenging.
- Clinical diagnosis and therapy development require effective apoptosis detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current microscopic and macroscopic imaging strategies for apoptosis detection.
- To discuss the development and application of apoptosis imaging probes.
- To focus on the clinical translation of these imaging techniques.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of microscopic imaging assays.
- Overview of macroscopic imaging probes.
- Analysis of probes targeting molecular markers and biochemical changes.
Main Results:
- A wide array of apoptosis imaging probes and approaches exist.
- Probes range from simple reporter attachments to sophisticated targeted designs.
- Preclinical and clinical studies have documented various imaging strategies.
Conclusions:
- Advanced imaging probes offer significant potential for clinical apoptosis detection.
- Further development and clinical translation are key for improved patient management.
- Visualized detection of apoptosis is vital for advancing diagnostics and therapeutics.
