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Methods to detect apoptotic cell death

  • The many ways of apoptotic cell death
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Abstract

In concert with the increased understanding that there are many ways for cells to die, several methods have been developed to detect cell death. The classification of cell death posed some difficulties that were overcome by implementing strict selection criteria that should also apply to the detection methods. The selection of assays is based on morphological criteria and distinguishable marks of apoptotic patways. The detection of apoptosis includes methods related to membrane alterations, DNA fragmentation, cytotoxicity and cell proliferation, mitochondrial damage, immunological detection and mechanism based assays. Other less frequently used detections of apoptosis are: (a) light-scattering flow cytometry to avoid underestimating the extent and timing of apoptosis, (b) time-lapse microscopy perfusion platform to support the temporal aspects of detection, to measure cell surface area and cellular adhesion, and (c) genotoxicity specific chromatin changes. Attention is called to the advantages and limitations of various methods.

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Fig. 1
Fig. 2

With permission [5], (Fig. 1a)

Fig. 3
Fig. 4

With permission of Banfalvi [41], (Figs. 1.2, 1.3, 1.4; pp 6, 8 and 9)

Fig. 5

With permission [55], (Fig. 2D)

Fig. 6

With permisssion [57], (Figs. 3, 6, 8)

Fig. 7

With permission [62], (Fig. 4)

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the OTKA Grant T042762 to GB.

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  1. Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen,, 4010, Hungary

    Gaspar Banfalvi

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Banfalvi, G. Methods to detect apoptotic cell death. Apoptosis 22, 306–323 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10495-016-1333-3

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