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[Methods for assessing programmed cell death]
P Cafforio1, A Romito, M A Grizzuti
1Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Oncologia Umana, Università, Bari.
Abstract:
Apoptosis, namely programmed cell death, is a fundamental mechanism involved in both organogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Since this process is genetically controlled, its defective regulation plays a role in the pathogenesis of several diseases including inflammatory and degenerative disorders, autoimmunity and neoplasia. Several methods have been suggested to identify the cellular events including the modification of cell size, cytoplasmic condensation and nuclear degradation occurring during this phenomenon. The cell morphologic changes can be observed in detail by electronic microscopy, while the chromatin cleavage is well detected by both electrophoretic and flow cytometry techniques, using various fluorochromes able to bind specifically the double-stranded DNA. Here we review the different techniques to evaluate apoptosis with respect to their sensitivity in both qualitative and quantitative analyses.
Insights
Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is vital for development and health. This review details methods for detecting apoptosis, crucial for understanding diseases like cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a fundamental biological process essential for development and maintaining tissue balance.
- Dysregulation of apoptosis is implicated in various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and degenerative conditions.
Purpose:
- To review and compare various techniques used for evaluating apoptosis.
- To assess the sensitivity of different methods for both qualitative and quantitative analyses of apoptosis.
Summary:
- Apoptosis involves characteristic cellular changes like cell shrinkage, cytoplasmic condensation, and nuclear fragmentation.
- Morphological changes are observable via electron microscopy.
- Chromatin cleavage, a key apoptotic event, can be detected using electrophoresis and flow cytometry with DNA-binding fluorochromes.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of apoptosis detection methods for researchers.
- Aids in selecting appropriate techniques for studying apoptosis in various biological and pathological contexts.
- Contributes to a better understanding of apoptosis in disease pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies.