Gelatin, Fluorescein (FITC) Conjugate

Collagen is a major component of the extracellular matrix in vertebrates and it constitutes approximately 25% of total protein. It plays an important role in cell adhesion and migration. Specific collagen receptors, fibronectin and a number of other proteins involved in cell–cell and cell–surface adhesion have been demonstrated to bind collagen and gelatin (denatured collagen). BioVision’s Gelatin-FITC is labeled with a fluorophore, fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC) and the conjugate is a highly quenched substrate for gelatinases/collagenases. It can be digested by gelatinases, collagenases and other matrix degrading metalloproteases, releasing brightly fluorescent peptides (Ex/Em 490/520 nm). The increase in fluorescence upon digestion is proportional to the proteolytic activity of the enzyme under investigation. BioVision’s Gelatin-FITC can also be used to detect gelatin binding proteins and live cell staining.