Soft Agar Assays for Anchorage Independent Cell Growth

Neoplastic transformation occurs via a series of genetic and epigenetic alterations that yield a cell population that is capable of proliferating independently of both external and internal signals that normally restrain growth. Anchorage-independent growth is one of the hallmarks of cell transformation, which is considered the most accurate and stringent in vitro assay for detecting malignant transformation of cells.

DNA Damage: Causes and Effects

The most significant consequence of oxidative stress in the body is thought to be damage to DNA.  DNA may be modified in a variety of ways, which can ultimately lead to mutations and genomic instability. This could result in the development of a variety of cancers including colon, breast, and prostate. Here we discuss the various types of damage to DNA, including oxidative damage, hydrolytic damage, DNA strand breaks, and others.