Caspase-3 Fluorometric Assay Kit

Activation of ICE-family proteases/caspases initiates apoptosis in mammalian cells. The CPP32/Caspase-3 Fluorometric Protease Assay Kit provides a simple and convenient means for assaying the DEVD-dependent caspase activity. The assay is based on detection of cleavage of substrate DEVD-AFC (AFC: 7-amino-4-trifluoromethyl coumarin). DEVD-AFC emits blue light (λmax = 400 nm); upon cleavage of the substrate by CPP32 or related caspases, free AFC emits a yellow-green fluorescence (λmax = 505 nm), which can be quantified using a fluorometer or a fluorecence microtiter plate reader. Comparison of the fluorescence of AFC from an apoptotic sample with an uninduced control allows determination of the fold increase in caspase-3/CPP32 activity.