Assay Name
In Vitro Caspase Activation-based Apoptosis Assay
Short Description
HEL 92.1.7-cell based In Vitro Caspase Activation-based Apoptosis Assay
Assay Description
Detection of the activation of caspases has become a very common in vitro technique to confirm apoptosis. Apoptosis includes activation of a group of enzymes in the cysteine protease family named caspases. Fourteen different classes (1-14) of caspases have been identified so far and caspases 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are involved in apoptosis. With specific antibodies, colorimetric, fluorometric and luminometric kits, gene-specific probes and primers, detection of caspases has become an easy procedure. Detection of PARP cleavage by caspase is also a common apoptotic detection assay.
Assay Type
Detection of Apoptosis Assays
Assay Type Details
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.
Assay Subtype
Detection of Caspases
Datasheet