Apoptosis Detection

Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death, a natural part of the organism’s life cycle. Research laboratories study apoptosis as its’ defective processes have been associated with a variety of diseases such as cancer. Apoptosis assays are available in a variety of formats for early, intermediate and late stages of apoptosis; capase, DNA and Tunel fragmentation, cell permeability, annexin V, protein cleavage and mitochondrial assays. When choosing apoptosis assays and reagents look for components that allow quick and easy detection of apoptotic cells, sensitive detection of single cells in the initial stages of apoptosis, and specific staining of apoptotic and not necrotic cells. Also consider the flexibility to be used with tissue section or fixed cell samples with either fluorescence or light microscopy.