CAL 27 In Vitro Light Microscopy-based Apoptosis Assay (CAT#: ITS-1122-YF3288)

CAL 27

Human

Cal 27 cells are epithelial cells isolated from tissue taken prior to treatment from a 56-year-old, White male with a lesion in the middle of the tongue in 1982.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oncology

In Vitro Light Microscopy-based Apoptosis Assay

CAL 27-cell based In Vitro Light Microscopy-based Apoptosis Assay

For apoptosis-related morphological observations, light microscopy has widely been used. During apoptosis, changes in cell shape, volume, cell shrinkage and formation of apoptotic bodies can be clearly observed using light microscopy. Stains such as hematoxylin and eosin can be used to stain cancer cells before morphological observations under light microscopy. Although the light microscopy technique is an easy and inexpensive method, low sensitivity is the main disadvantage of this technique.

Detection of Apoptosis Assays

Apoptosis (programmed cell death) plays a vital role in embryonic development, homeostasis, functioning of immune system and wound repair. The ability to evade induction of apoptosis has been used by cancer cells to survive against host defense mechanisms. The molecular mechanisms involved in cancer cell apoptosis have been well documented and it involves certain biochemical events such as DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation, cell organelle degradation and protein cleavage, etc. The extrinsic and intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathways are the two major pathways involved in apoptosis. With the available techniques and assays, a number of apoptosis inducing agents (natural compounds, synthetic compounds, nano-formulations, peptides and enzymes) in many cancer cells have been identified. Selection of an assay for apoptosis detection is based on factors such as apoptotic pathway, nature of drug, cell type being used and the method of analysis.

Microscopic Techniques to Detect Apoptosis Assays

Light Microscopy Assay