Animal Apoptosis Assay

BioVenic provides apoptosis detection services to scientific researchers. Our apoptosis detection solutions range from those based on morphological observation and analysis to those based on biological function, allowing the analysis of various aspects of cell apoptosis. This comprehensive range of detection solutions meets a wide range of scientific research needs. Our team of experts can distinguish between animal cell apoptosis and necrosis, a critical step in understanding the mechanism of apoptosis, investigating pathological apoptotic disorders, and advancing veterinary drug development.

Background

Animal cell apoptosis is a tightly regulated form of programmed cell death that triggers cell self-destruction independent of any external influence. Apoptosis is a crucial process in life, especially in animals that need to regulate cell growth, development, and renewal to maintain homeostasis. Activation of apoptosis relies on two main pathways: endogenous stress response and exogenous cell surface receptors that receive signals and activate the caspase family to induce cell apoptosis. Apoptosis of animal cells results in many characteristic morphological and biochemical changes.

Fig.1 The intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis.^1,2

Animal Cell Apoptosis Representative Events

Morphological Observation

BioVenic starts from a morphological perspective and exploits the principle that cells undergo significant morphological changes during different stages of apoptosis. BioVenic has launched morphological analysis services related to animal cell apoptosis. Our animal cell morphology technology platform utilizes microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy to detect changes in cell morphology such as membrane ruffling or blebbing, dense nuclear chromatin, and cytoplasmic condensation, all of which are considered evidence of animal cell apoptosis. At the same time, our detection and analysis of morphological changes in nuclear chromatin are powerful tools for evaluating the progression of apoptosis.

Membrane Change Detection

In the early stages of apoptosis, phosphatidylserine (PS), which is typically located on the inner side of the cell membrane in various cell types, translocates to the outer side of the cell membrane. BioVenic uses Annexin V labeled with a specific fluorescent probe capable of binding to PS to directly identify PS translocation, a critical feature of cell apoptosis, by flow cytometry or fluorescence microscopy. BioVenic offers solutions to distinguish early apoptotic cells from necrotic cells by detecting changes in cell membrane permeability.

DNA Fragment Detection

BioVenic develops apoptosis detection solutions based on DNA degradation, a classic hallmark of animal cell apoptosis. For single-stranded DNA breaks, our experimental team continues to optimize the TUNEL detection method to detect low-level apoptosis in single cells with high sensitivity and minimal background interference. It can also be used to quantify cell apoptosis using flow cytometry and microscopic detection. Our technicians are combining purification and agarose electrophoresis analysis to develop a simple and reliable method for identifying animal cell apoptosis by analyzing DNA fragments in apoptotic cells.

Caspase Activity Detection

Caspase activation is a typical feature of apoptosis. BioVenic is developing a specialized quantitative detection platform for the caspase protease family, in particular caspase-3, which becomes active in the early phases of apoptosis. Our R&D team is dedicated to enabling our customers to monitor caspase-3 activity in live animal cells in real time. We achieve this by continuously optimizing experimental protocols and developing fluorescence-labeled substrates.

Why Choose Us?

BioVenic offers high quality and efficient services for the detection of apoptosis in animal cells. The focus is on the exploration of different types of apoptosis targets from different sources. Our apoptosis detection solutions integrate high-throughput screening platforms, such as flow cytometry, to thoroughly measure apoptosis and meet the cell detection needs of scientific research customers worldwide, particularly in veterinary drug compound screening and development. With our comprehensive range of animal cell assays, we offer integrated assays that include cell viability, toxicity, and apoptosis, allowing convenient evaluation of key life events in target cells. If your project requires cell-based assays, please contact us for professional support.

References

1. Image retrieved from Figure 1 "The intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis." Wong, 2011, used under [CC BY 2.0] (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/). Without modification.
2. Wong, Rebecca SY. "Apoptosis in cancer: from pathogenesis to treatment." Journal of experimental & clinical cancer research 30 (2011): 1-14.