Cell volume changes during apoptosis monitored in real time using digital holographic microscopy

• Published in: Journal of structural biology Vol. 178; no. 3; pp. 270 - 278
• Main Authors: Khmaladze, Alexander, Matz, Rebecca L., Epstein, Tamir, Jasensky, Joshua, Banaszak Holl, Mark M., Chen, Zhan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.06.2012
• Subjects: Apoptosis; Apoptosis - physiology; Cell Size; Cell volume measurements; Digital holographic microscopy; Dual-wavelength digital holography; Holography - methods; Humans; KB Cells; Microscopy - methods; Microscopy, Atomic Force; Digital holographic microscopy; Cell volume measurements; Dual-wavelength digital holography; Apoptosis
• ISSN: 1047-8477; 1095-8657
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2012.03.008

Cellular volume changes play important roles in many processes associated with the normal cell activity, as well as various diseases. Consequently, there is a considerable need to accurately measure volumes of both individual cells and cell populations as a function of time. In this study, we have monitored cell volume changes in real time during apoptosis using digital holographic microscopy. Cell volume changes were deduced from the measured phase change of light transmitted through cells. Our digital holographic experiments showed that after exposure to 1μM staurosporine for 4h, the volumes of KB cells were reduced by ∼50–60%, which is consistent with previous results obtained using electronic cell sizing and atomic force microscopy. In comparison with other techniques, digital holographic microscopy is advantageous because it employs noninvasive detection, has high time resolution, real time measurement capability, and the ability to simultaneously investigate time-dependent volume changes of both individual cells and cell populations.