Published in over 200 studies, NucView® Caspase-3 Substrates offer a validated solution for real-time monitoring of apoptosis in live cells by microscopy or flow cytometry.
NucView® Caspase-3 Substrates are based on novel fluorogenic DNA dyes that have been coupled to the caspase-3/7 recognition sequence (DEVD). When introduced to cells, the substrate is initially non-fluorescent and is able to penetrate the plasma membrane and enter the cytoplasm. During apoptosis, caspase-3/7 cleaves the substrate and releases the high-affinity DNA dye which leads to nuclear fluorescent staining. Consequently, NucView® Caspase-3 Substrates are bifunctional, allowing detection of caspase-3/7 activity and visualization of morphological changes in the nucleus during apoptosis.
Principle of NucView® substrate technology. The substrate is non-fluorescent and does not bind DNA. After enzyme cleavage, the high-affinity DNA dye is released and fluoresces upon binding to DNA.
In contrast to other fluorogenic caspase substrates or similar assays, NucView® Caspase-3 Substrates can be used to detect caspase-3/7 activity in live cells without inhibiting apoptosis progression. Staining is also compatible with subsequent fixation and permeabilization for downstream immunostaining.
Advantages of NucView® Caspase-3 Substrates
Simple: No-wash, homogeneous assay for real-time or end-point apoptosis detection in live cells
Fast and Fixable: Formaldehyde fixable staining in only 15 minutes
Non-toxic: Useful for long multi-day experiments
Choice: Available with blue, green, or red fluorescence
Validated: NucView® 488 is validated in more than 100 cell types and 200 publications (see the full list of references here)
Dual Monitoring of Apoptosis, Necrosis, and Membrane Potential
Explore assay kits that combine the advantage of NucView® real-time apoptosis analysis with other probes for monitoring necrosis, membrane potential, or other apoptosis markers.
Download the E-Book “Visualizing Apoptosis as it Happens” to understand how caspase 3/7 activity plays a role in the mechanism underlying programmed cell death.
E-Book includes:
The intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways
The biochemical and morphological stages of apoptosis
Direct contact technical support
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