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Apoptosis without decrease of cell DNA content
S Fournel1, L Genestier, J P Rouault
1Laboratory of Immunology, INSERM U80 UCBL, Lyon, France.
FEBS Letters
|June 26, 1995
Summary
This study reveals two distinct types of apoptosis in immune cells, identified by DNA fragmentation patterns. These distinct cell death pathways, characterized by small or large DNA fragments, are intrinsic to each cell type.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is crucial for immune system homeostasis.
- Understanding the mechanisms of apoptosis is vital for diagnosing and treating immune-related disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and differentiate types of apoptosis in human and murine immune cells.
- To analyze the DNA fragmentation patterns associated with different apoptosis-inducing agents.
Main Methods:
- Apoptosis was induced using etoposide, ionomycin, or anti-immunoglobulin antibodies.
- Analysis involved DNA agarose gel electrophoresis, clamped homogeneous electric field, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, and UV microscopy.
Main Results:
- Two types of apoptosis were identified based on DNA fragment size: small fragments (180-200 bp) forming a DNA ladder and large fragments (100-150 kbp) detected by CHEF.
- Small fragment apoptosis correlated with decreased DNA content and DNA ladders, while large fragment apoptosis showed nuclear condensation without DNA ladders.
- The observed apoptosis type was cell-type specific.
Conclusions:
- Distinct apoptosis pathways exist in immune cells, characterized by specific DNA fragmentation profiles.
- The type of DNA fragmentation is an intrinsic characteristic of the cell, influencing the mode of cell death.