Optical Imaging of Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a crucial mechanism in living organisms with many implications in medical research and practice. Therefore in vivo imaging of apoptosis has received significant attention lately as it can allow the visualization of molecular pathways and of therapeutic action in intact biological systems, animals and potentially humans. Here we describe recent improvements in visualizing apoptosis and focus on optical imaging. The recent development of near infrared fluorescent probes homing to apoptotic cells, coupled with novel imaging technologies that allow highly sensitive photon detection from whole bodies, are reviewed. Finally the potential transition of optical apoptosis imaging into clinics is discussed.