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Detecting Anastasis In Vivo by CaspaseTracker Biosensor
Published on: February 1, 2018
Detection of Anoikis Using Cell Viability Dye and Quantitation of Caspase Activity
Roslyn Tedja1, Alexandra Fox2, Ayesha B Alvero2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA. roslyntedja@wayne.edu.
Abstract:
Anoikis is a type of programmed cell death triggered by the loss of cellular interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and culminates in the activation of caspases. Specific interaction between cellular receptors such as integrins and the ECM is important to maintain cellular homeostasis in normal tissues through multiple cascades. This interaction provides not only physical attachment, but more importantly, vital interaction with the actin cytoskeleton and growth factors. Normal epithelial and endothelial cells require this interaction with ECM to survive. In cancer, the acquisition of anoikis resistance is a hallmark of malignant transformation and is required in the process of metastasis formation. As such, strategies to inhibit and/or counteract anoikis resistance are important in controlling cancer progression. In this chapter, we describe the method for detecting anoikis using cell viability and caspase activity assays.
Insights
Anoikis, programmed cell death, is triggered by loss of cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction. Detecting anoikis resistance is crucial for developing cancer progression therapies.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Anoikis is programmed cell death initiated by detachment from the extracellular matrix (ECM).
- Integrin-ECM interactions are vital for cell survival, cytoskeleton stability, and growth factor signaling.
- Anoikis resistance is a key factor in cancer metastasis and malignant transformation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe methods for detecting anoikis.
- To highlight the importance of anoikis in cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Cell viability assays to measure cell survival.
- Caspase activity assays to detect programmed cell death.
Main Results:
- The described methods allow for the detection of anoikis.
- Anoikis resistance is a critical hallmark of cancer progression.
Conclusions:
- Understanding and detecting anoikis is essential for cancer research.
- Targeting anoikis resistance presents a promising strategy for controlling cancer progression and metastasis.
