EarlyTox™ Caspase-3/7 NucView 488 Assay Kit

Description

This assay kit from Molecular Devices is used to identify apoptotic activity in live cell populations by detecting the enzymatic function of caspase-3 and caspase-7. These proteases play a central role in initiating programmed cell death. The kit utilizes a cell-permeable substrate that remains non-fluorescent until cleaved by active caspases. Cleavage releases a DNA-binding dye that migrates to the cell nucleus, generating a distinct green fluorescent signal with peak excitation and emission near 500 nm and 530 nm, respectively. The resulting fluorescence can be quantified using standard fluorescence microplate readers or imaging systems. The staining protocol is compatible with subsequent formaldehyde fixation and immunostaining procedures. An optional reagent is provided to reduce background fluorescence. The substrate is supplied in a phosphate-buffered saline formulation, which is suitable for cells sensitive to DMSO. A DMSO-based version of this kit is also available under catalog number R8351.