proliferation
Oncology Assays
Proliferation Assays
Most chemotherapeutic agents inhibit oncogenesis by reducing the rate of proliferation, usually as a result of cell cycle arrest. Cell proliferation is commonly measured through an ELISA-based approach ; the BrdU assay. Its working principle involves the incorporation of BrdU in actively proliferating cells. The amount of incorporated BrdU is detected by incubating with anti-BrdU antibody following fixing, permeabilization and DNA denaturation.Â
With a reduction in proliferation, cells undergo senescence in response to a treatment. Increased activity of β-galactosidase, p16, p21 are some of the markers of senescent cells.Â
Cytotoxicity
Cytotoxicity of Acetylasalicylic acid and Diclofenac sodium in Caco-2 cells. Cells were seeded and allowed to form a monolayer. The cells were then treated with Diclofenac Sodium and Acetylsalicylic Acid at various concentrations along with Vehicle control (0 µM or mM). The Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released from the cells after treatment was measured as indication of cytotoxicity. Equal number of Caco-2 cells were lysed to measure the maximum release of LDH (LDH Positive). Data is representative of 3 technical replicates +/- SEM.
BrdU Assay
Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assay to measure proliferation. HLF (human lung fibroblasts) cells were seeded at an optimised density and incubated overnight at 37°C in a humidified incubator. The cells were treated with PDGF-BB (to promote proliferation) or Mitomycin C (inhibits DNA synthesis/function). The BrdU assay showed that treatment with PDGF-BB and 10% FBS resulted in a significant increase in the cell proliferation, as indicated by the increase in the absorbance. Treatment with Mitomycin C significantly reduced the absorbance, suggesting an inhibition in cell proliferation (***p<0.001 ± SEM).
MTT
MTT assay to measure proliferation. HMC1.2 cells were treated with a test compound at 6 different concentrations. The % cell viability post-compound-treatment was determined by means of a MTT assay (assesses metabolically active live cells). A significant reduction in cell viability was observed with δ-Tocopherol when compared to the positive and vehicle controls (***p<0.001; n=5; ±SEM)
Alamar Blue
Metabolic activity assay (Alamar blueâ„¢) of Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Cells were seeded at different densities and the proliferation was recorded over 24 hours using Alamar Blue dye as % signal (signal increases in the reducing environment of viable cells).
Metabolic activity assay (Alamar blue™) of NCI-H460 cells treated with Paclitaxel. Data presented as mean ± SEM of fluorescence signal, performed in technical triplicate. Statistical significance determined by Ordinary one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s T-test for correction of multiple comparisons (* p<0.033; ** p<0.002; *** p<0.001).
FAQ's
Cell proliferation assays measure the rate of cell growth and division by tracking DNA synthesis, metabolic activity, or cell number over time.
These assays are widely used in drug discovery to determine how compounds affect cell growth. They are particularly valuable in cancer and inflammation research. Cellomatics offers proliferation assays across multiple in vitro models, including 3D systems.
The BrdU assay measures DNA synthesis by incorporating bromodeoxyuridine into newly formed DNA strands, which can then be detected using specific antibodies.
Available methods include DNA incorporation assays (BrdU, EdU), metabolic assays (MTT, resazurin), and fluorescence-based cell tracking approaches. Selection depends on study design and required sensitivity.
Proliferation assays measure cell growth, while cytotoxicity assays assess cell damage or death. Together, they provide a complete view of compound effects.
Yes. Changes in proliferation following treatment indicate drug activity. At Cellomatics, these assays are integrated into screening workflows to support candidate selection.
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