Cell Meter(TM) Caspase 9 Activity Apoptosis Assay Kit * Green Fluorescence*

Our Cell Meter(TM) assay kits are a set of tools for monitoring cellular functions. There are a variety of parameters that can be used. This particular kit is designed to monitor cell apoptosis by measuring caspase 9 activity. Caspase 9 is a member of the CED-3 subfamily. Activated Caspase-9 cleaves downstream caspases such as caspase-3, -6 and -7, initiating the caspase cascade. It is essential for apoptosis during normal development of the central nervous system. Caspase 9 is proven to have selectivity for the peptide sequence Leu-Glu-His-Asp (LEHD). This kit uses (Ac-LEHD)2-R110 as a fluorogenic indicator for caspase 9 activity. Cleavage of R110 peptides by caspase 9 generates strongly fluorescent rhodamine 110 (R110)which is monitored at the emission between 520 nm and 530 nm with the excitation between 480 nm and 500 nm. The kit provides all the essential components. The assay is robust and can be readily adapted for high throughput screening. It can be used to either quantify the activated caspase 9 activities in apoptotic cells or screen the caspase 9 inhibitors. Quite a few labs have used this kit for high throughput screenings.