What Types of Cell-Based Assays are Used in Cancer Research?
Several types of cell-based assays are commonly used in cancer research, each serving a unique purpose:
1. Proliferation Assays: These assays measure the rate at which cancer cells divide and grow, providing insights into the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs. 2. Apoptosis Assays: Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a critical mechanism targeted by many cancer therapies. These assays determine whether a treatment induces apoptosis in cancer cells. 3. Migration and Invasion Assays: These assays evaluate the ability of cancer cells to move and invade other tissues, which is a hallmark of metastatic cancer. 4. Cytotoxicity Assays: These assess the extent to which a substance is toxic to cancer cells, helping researchers identify potential therapeutic agents. 5. Reporter Gene Assays: Used to monitor the activity of specific genes or signaling pathways in cancer cells, these assays rely on reporter genes that produce measurable signals.
