U-251 In Vitro Confocal Microscopy-based Apoptosis Assay (CAT#: ITS-1022-YF4760)

U-251

Human

The U-251 cell line was established at the Wallenberg laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden, almost more than 40 years ago along with several other cell lines derived from human gliomas, and was derived from a male patient with malignant astrocytoma.

Glioblastoma

Oncology

In Vitro Confocal Microscopy-based Apoptosis Assay

U-251-cell based In Vitro Confocal Microscopy-based Apoptosis Assay

Background fluorescence and scatter from the exterior of the focal plane are major drawbacks associated with conventional fluorescence microscopy. This makes it hard to distinguish low fluorescence signals that arise within the samples. In confocal microscopy, the background noise can be controlled or eliminated to develop the image contrast and spatial localization. With the help of laser scanning confocal systems, simultaneous detection of multiple fluorescence channels with high quality has been possible. As the fluorescent spots can be visualized by confocal microscopy, analysis of single cells has become easier with this technique and analysis of single molecules can be used to assess interaction between a probe and intracellular components. Cellular processes such as apoptosis involve a number of different cellular events occurring at different regions of a cell. A confocal microscopy technique gives the best detection and investigation method to study different cellular events at different regions of a cell.

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

Confocal Microscopy Assay