In situ ligation: a decade and a half of experience.
The in situ ligation (ISL) methodology detects apoptotic cells by the presence of characteristic DNA double-strand breaks. A labeled double-stranded probe is ligated to the double-strand breaks in situ on tissue sections. Like the popular TUNEL assay, ISL detects cells in apoptosis based on the ongoing destruction of DNA by apoptotic nucleases. In comparison to TUNEL, it is more specific for apoptosis versus other causes of DNA damage, both repairable damage and necrosis. In the decade and a half since its introduction, ISL has been used in several hundred publications. Here we review the development of the method, its current status, and its uses and limitations.
Department of Physiology, Sam and Ann Barshop Center for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.
Peter J
PJ
Hornsby
Vladimir V
VV
Didenko
D000818:Animals; D004256:DNA Polymerase I / Q000378:metabolism; D005821:Genetic Techniques / Q000639:trends; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D015336:Molecular Probe Techniques / Q000639:trends
D004256:DNA Polymerase I