Insights into programmed cell death from multiple imaging modalities

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biomedical Imaging

Background:

• Programmed cell death (PCD) is vital for multicellular organism development and homeostasis.
• Studying PCD is challenging due to limitations of traditional static methods in capturing dynamic processes and in vivo environments.
• Differentiating PCD subtypes like apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis requires advanced techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically compare molecular probes and imaging modalities for detecting and differentiating major PCD subtypes.
• To summarize recent advances in imaging-based identification of distinct cell death forms.
• To provide practical guidance for selecting appropriate probes and imaging platforms for PCD research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and comparison of molecular probes and imaging modalities.
• Emphasis on imaging-based identification of cell death forms.
• Analysis of utility for in vivo monitoring of hallmark markers and deep-tissue dynamics.

Main Results:

• Molecular probes and imaging modalities enable the detection and differentiation of apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis.
• In vivo imaging offers insights into biological roles and functional significance of PCD by monitoring hallmark markers.
• Current technologies are strongest in differentiating PCD subtypes, while real-time spatiotemporal dynamics monitoring is still developing.

Conclusions:

• Advanced imaging techniques and molecular probes are crucial for understanding PCD subtypes.
• In vivo imaging provides valuable support for elucidating the roles of PCD in biological systems.
• Further development is needed for real-time, comprehensive spatiotemporal monitoring of PCD dynamics.