Automated Drug-Induced Chromatin Condensation Detection Detection of End-Stage Apoptosis Using the Nuclear-IDTM Kit from Enzo Life Sciences

Anticancer agents typically exhibit cytotoxic effects on tumor cells as a primary function. This occurs through several different mechanisms, such as apoptosis or programmed cell death. The specific mechanism through which they act can have important consequences in terms of efficacy, side effects and normal cell toxicity and can be discerned by a variety of assays. In this report we have examined thiostrepton and staurosporine with regards to the induction of apoptosis using the Nuclear-IDTM Green Chromatin Condensation Kit from Enzo Life Sciences. An automated procedure using the EL406TM Combination Washer Dispenser to automatically aspirate media, wash cells and dispense reagents has been developed.