2.2.2 (d) Rv2615c stimulation leads to DNA fragmentation in THP-1 macrophages
DNA fragmentation is another distinct feature of cells undergoing apoptosis which was studied by TUNEL assay. At 16h, 24h and 48h, the percentage of TUNEL positive cells in response to Rv2615c-stimulation (Mean±SEM range of 22 % to 35%) were significant than the unstimulated cells (Mean±SEM range of 3 % to 25%) and comparable to positive control (LPS/Staurosporine stimulated) cells (Fig 1c and 1d). These results depicted that the putative Rv2615c protein induces apoptotic cell death in THP-1 macrophages.