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Measurement of cell death
1Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, USA.
Methods in Cell Biology
|July 2, 1998
Summary
This review details methods for measuring apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Understanding these assays is crucial for accurately assessing cell death and its regulatory mechanisms in biological research.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Apoptosis, a fundamental physiological process, is vital for multicellular organism development and maintenance.
- Characterized by distinct morphological and biochemical changes, apoptosis is a key area of research.
- Reliable measurement of cell death is essential for understanding apoptosis mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current methods for measuring apoptotic cell death.
- To highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each assay in different experimental systems.
- To guide researchers in selecting appropriate methods for apoptosis assessment.
Main Methods:
- Traditional cell-based assays: light/electron microscopy, vital dyes, nuclear stains.
- Biochemical assays: DNA laddering, lactate dehydrogenase release, MTT/XTT enzyme activity.
- Molecular techniques: TUNEL and ISEL, often combined with flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Various methods exist to measure apoptosis, each with specific advantages and limitations.
- Cell-based, biochemical, and molecular techniques offer different insights into cell death.
- Combining methods like TUNEL/ISEL with flow cytometry provides comprehensive data.
Conclusions:
- Accurate assessment of apoptosis requires careful selection of appropriate measurement techniques.
- Understanding assay limitations is critical for interpreting results in specific experimental contexts.
- Effective use of these methods aids in defining causal relationships in apoptosis regulation.