Description
This kit enables analysis of apoptosis based on caspase-3/7 activity and its consensus target sequence, Asp-Glu-Val-Asp (DEVD). Caspase-3 and caspase-7 are proteases that are activated during the execution phase of apoptosis. This kit provides a single-step, homogenous assay that is specifically designed for microplate readers. The fluorogenic substrate (Ac-DEVD)2-R110 contains two DEVD consensus target sequence and is completely hydrolyzed in cell lysate by the enzymes. Hydrolysis of both DEVD peptides releases the green fluorescent dye R110, resulting in a substantial fluorescence increase, with excitation at 490 nm and emission at 520 nm. The assay kit includes the competitive caspase-3/7 inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO for use as a negative control. R110 is also provided in the kit for generating a standard curve, which can be used for quantifying caspase-3 activity.