Confocal Raman data analysis enables identifying apoptosis of MCF-7 cells caused by anticancer drug paclitaxel

J Biomed Opt. 2013 May;18(5):56010. doi: 10.1117/1.JBO.18.5.056010.

Abstract

Confocal Raman microscopy is a noninvasive, label-free imaging technique used to study apoptosis of live MCF-7 cells. The images are based on Raman spectra of cells components, and their apoptosis is monitored through diffusion of cytochrome c in cytoplasm. K-mean clustering is used to identify mitochondria in cells, and correlation analysis provides the cytochrome c distribution inside the cells. Our results demonstrate that incubation of cells for 3 h with 10 μM of paclitaxel does not induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. On the contrary, incubation for 30 min at a higher concentration (100 μM) of paclitaxel induces gradual release of the cytochrome c into the cytoplasm, indicating cell apoptosis via a caspase independent pathway.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Cytochromes c / chemistry
  • Cytochromes c / metabolism
  • Cytological Techniques / methods*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Microscopy, Confocal / methods*
  • Paclitaxel / pharmacology*
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman / methods*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cytochromes c
  • Paclitaxel