Collagen-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 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 Collagen-FITC is heavily modified collagen with a fluorophore (fluorescein Isothiocyanate, FITC). 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 Collagen-FITC can also be used to detect collagen binding proteins and in live cell staining.