EarlyTox™ Caspase-3/7-D NucView 488 Assay Kit

Description

This assay kit provides reagents for the fluorescent detection of caspase-3 and caspase-7 activity in live cells, serving as an indicator of apoptosis. The core component is a cell-permeable, non-fluorescent substrate containing the DEVD peptide sequence, which is cleaved specifically by active caspase-3/7. Cleavage releases a DNA-binding dye that migrates to the nucleus and produces a bright green fluorescent signal, with excitation/emission maxima near 500/530 nm. The resulting fluorescence can be quantified using plate readers or visualized with fluorescence microscopes or imagers. The assay is compatible with live cells and the signal persists after formaldehyde fixation, allowing for combination with immunostaining protocols. An optional masking reagent is included to minimize background fluorescence. The 'D' formulation indicates the substrate is dissolved in DMSO.