An Ultrastructural Perspective on Cell Death

Abstract

In the field of cell death, there is still a wide gap between the molecular models and their ultrastructural phenotypes. Because only very few published works included electron microscopy (EM) images, many ultrastructural features have not yet been incorporated into the descriptions of death modes. Some of the EM features that appear in dying cells have not been incorporated in describing death modes. It includes the accumulation of lipid droplets and glycogen, the appearance of extranuclear chromatin in the cytoplasm, and the various ways mitochondria become damaged. We argue that electron microscopy should be routinely included in these studies because it exposes some new features that molecular studies do not. It has successfully recognized new modes of cell death,such as entosis, methuosis, and paraptosis. Elucidating the precise sequence of events in death modes could be the cornerstone for offering the proper therapy of many diseases by slowing down or stopping the progression of degeneration. This review presents our own experience applying ultrastructural interpretations to death modes and explaining their biochemical implications. We complement the molecular and biochemical data and point out missing features that should be considered and studied.

Preliminary in vitro cytotoxic evaluation of Uncaria gambier (Hunt) Roxb extract as a potential herbal-based pulpotomy medicament

“…The outcome of the cytotoxic assays was further supported by the TEM analysis, where an increased amount of autophagic vesicles and cytoplasmic autolysosomes were detected in some cells on day 7 following exposure to MTA 48h and Uncaria gambir at 500 µg/mL. The presence of autophagic vesicles and autolysosomes is associated with deranged and degradation of cellular compartment including the proteins and organelles that maintains cell survival [24]. This explained the reduction in cell viability of M3CT3-E1 cells over time after being exposed to both materials.…”

Cytotoxic Evaluation of Effective Ecoproduce (EEP) as a Potential Root Canal Irrigant: A Preliminary In Vitro Study

“…Further, at similar concentrations, TEM analysis of the cells showed intact cell and nucleolar membranes and preservation of the organelle structure comparable to the untreated negative control. In contrast, the presence of autophagic vacuolisation and organelle derangement, a feature that is associated with cell apoptosis [47] and autophagy [48], were detected in cells exposed to EEP at a 12.5% concentration. This explains and validates the gradual reduction in cell viability following exposure to EEP at a concentration higher than 6.25%, as shown by the Alamar Blue cytotoxic assay.…”

Preliminary in vitro cytotoxic evaluation of Uncaria gambier (Hunt) Roxb extract as a potential herbal-based pulpotomy medicament

“…The outcome of the cytotoxic assays was further supported by the TEM analysis, where an increased amount of autophagic vesicles and cytoplasmic autolysosomes were detected in some cells on day 7 following exposure to MTA 48h and Uncaria gambir at 500 µg/mL. The presence of autophagic vesicles and autolysosomes is associated with the deranged and degradation of cellular compartment including the proteins and organelles that maintains cell survival [ 28 ]. This explained the reduction in cell viability of M3CT3-E1 cells over time after being exposed to both materials.…”