The detection of the ALT pathway in cancer cells can be achieved through various techniques. One common method is the identification of APBs using immunofluorescence microscopy. Another approach is the measurement of telomere length distribution using techniques like telomere-specific FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) or Southern blot analysis. Elevated levels of C-circles, which are extrachromosomal telomeric DNA, can also serve as a biomarker for ALT activity.
