title: Apoptosis and beyond: cytometry in studies of programmed cell death.
abstract: A cell undergoing apoptosis demonstrates multitude of characteristic morphological and biochemical features, which vary depending on the inducer of apoptosis, cell type and the "time window" at which the process of apoptosis is observed. Because the gross majority of apoptotic hallmarks can be revealed by flow and image cytometry, the cytometric methods become a technology of choice in diverse studies of cellular demise. Variety of cytometric methods designed to identify apoptotic cells, detect particular events of apoptosis and probe mechanisms associated with this mode of cell death have been developed during the past two decades. In the present review, we outline commonly used methods that are based on the assessment of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, activation of caspases, DNA fragmentation, and plasma membrane alterations. We also present novel developments in the field such as the use of cyanine SYTO and TO-PRO family of probes. Strategies of selecting the optimal multiparameter approaches, as well as potential difficulties in the experimental procedures, are thoroughly summarized.
authors: BioMEMS Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors: Donald
authors: D
authors: Wlodkowic
authors: William
authors: W
authors: Telford
authors: Joanna
authors: J
authors: Skommer
authors: Zbigniew
authors: Z
authors: Darzynkiewicz
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis; D020169:Caspases / Q000378:metabolism*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D053938:DNA Fragmentation; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000379:methods*; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D019044:Image Cytometry / Q000379:methods*; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling / Q000379:methods*; D053078:Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000378:metabolism; D009336:Necrosis
chemical_list: D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D020169:Caspases