In Situ Nick End Labelling is a technique used to detect DNA fragmentation in cells. The word "in situ" is pronounced /ɪn ˈsɪtjuː/ and is a Latin phrase meaning "in place". "Nick End" refers to the broken ends of DNA strands, and is pronounced /nɪk ɛnd/. "Labelling" is spelled and pronounced the same way in both British and American English, meaning to attach a tag or label to something. Overall, this technique helps researchers understand DNA damage and repair mechanisms in cells.
In Situ Nick End Labelling (ISEL) is a laboratory technique used in molecular biology to detect and analyze DNA strand breaks during cell apoptosis or DNA damage. It involves the use of a labeled nucleotide that probes and identifies the free 3'-OH termini of DNA fragments generated by endonucleases or other factors that cause DNA fragmentation.
The ISEL technique employs terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), an enzyme that adds labeled nucleotides to the free 3'-OH ends of fragmented DNA. This enzyme catalyzes the addition of labeled dUTP or other modified nucleotides, such as biotin-labeled nucleotides or digoxigenin-labeled nucleotides. These labeled nucleotides are then detected using specific antibodies or streptavidin fluorophores.
By utilizing fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry, ISEL enables the visualization and quantification of DNA breaks within individual cells or in tissues. It provides valuable insights into the extent of DNA damage and apoptotic processes occurring in cells or tissues under different conditions, such as drug treatments or disease states.
In Situ Nick End Labelling is widely used in various research areas, including cancer research, neurobiology, developmental biology, and toxicology. It allows researchers to evaluate the level of cellular response to genotoxic stress and to study the mechanisms underlying DNA fragmentation. Additionally, it aids in understanding the molecular events associated with programmed cell death and allows for the identification of cells undergoing apoptosis in complex tissue samples.