Simplified Apoptosis Analysis on a Novel Accessible Cell Analyzer

Abstract

Accurate detection and measurement of cellular apoptosis is critical and essential in the drug development and discovery process and in understanding mode of compound action. The assessment of cellular apoptosis has however been limited due to the requirement for expensive and complicated instrument platforms and expertise. Recently, a novel low‐cost cell analyzer, the Muse Cell Analyzer with guided touch screen interface was introduced for simplified multi‐dimensional cell health analysis. In this study, we present results from the application of the Muse Cell Analyzer for apoptosis studies using the Muse Annexin V & Dead Cell Assay, a rapid no‐wash assay for the identification of apoptotic cells. Jurkat and HeLa cells were treated with a range of cytotoxic and anti‐tumor compounds such as gambogic acid, camptothecin and staurosporine, and the results from percentage of live, early, late apoptotic, and dead cells were evaluated. Dose and time responses data were obtained for these inducers. Precision studies demonstrated that a high degree of precision (<10%) could be obtained on the system for multiple samples. The ability to obtain accurate and precise apoptosis information on an easy to use, accessible platform will enable researchers to monitor and study the mechanism of compound action in the drug development and discovery process with greater ease.