IgH-2 cells: a reptilian model for apoptotic studies.

Regulation of proper cell number in tissues depends upon a balance between cell proliferation and cell death. The process of apoptosis has thus far been studied in a variety of multicellular organisms from humans to higher plants. In order to broaden our perspective and identify another metazoan system with which to deepen our understanding of the function and evolution of the apoptotic machinery, we have characterized cell death in a reptilian cell line.

Components of the cell death machine and drug sensitivity of the National Cancer Institute Cell Line Panel.

Purpose: According to some studies, susceptibility of cells to anticancer drug-induced apoptosis is markedly inhibited by targeted deletion of genes encoding apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (Apaf-1) or certain caspases. Information about levels of these polypeptides in common cancer cell types and any possible correlation with drug sensitivity in the absence of gene deletion is currently fragmentary.

Experimental Design: Immunoblotting was used to estimate levels of Apaf-1 as well as procaspase-2, -3, -6, -7, -8, and -9 in the 60-cell-line panel used for drug screening by the National Cancer Institute.

Lack of correlation between caspase activation and caspase activity assays in paclitaxel-treated MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

MCF-7 human breast cancer cells are widely utilized to study apoptotic processes. Recent studies demonstrated that these cells lack procaspase-3. In the present study, caspase activation and activity were examined in this cell line after treatment with the microtubule poison paclitaxel.