Assay Name
In Vitro Comet-based DNA Damage Assay (Apoptosis )
Short Description
HeLa-cell based In Vitro Comet-based DNA Damage Assay (Apoptosis )
Assay Description
In the comet assay, upon incubating cancer cells with a chemical compound or treatment with radiation, cells are attached on microscopic slides covered with agarose and then subjected to gel electrophoresis following cell lysis. During electrophoresis, damaged DNA is moved away from the nucleus and undamaged DNA is retained in the nucleus, forming a comet-like appearance. The length of the tail and size of the head of comet are considered in evaluating DNA damage.
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
DNA Fragmentation and Damage Assays
Assay MOA
DNA Damage Assay