Caspase-1 Fluorometric Assay Kit

Activation of ICE-family proteases/caspases initiates apoptosis or other cellular processes in mammalian cells. The Caspase-1/ICE Fluorometric Assay Kit provides a simple and convenient means for assaying the activity of caspases that recognize the sequence YVAD. The assay is based on detection of cleavage of substrate YVAD-AFC (AFC: 7-amino-4-trifluoromethyl coumarin). YVAD-AFC emits blue light (400 nm); upon cleavage of the substrate by caspase-1 or related caspases, free AFC emits a yellow-green fluorescence (505 nm), which can be quantified using a fluorometer or a fluorecence microtiter plate reader. Comparison of the fluorescence of AFC from a treated sample with an untreated control allows determination of the fold increase in caspase-1 activity.