Caspase Activity Assays

A distinctive feature of the early stages of apoptosis is the activation of caspase enzymes, which participate in the cleavage of protein substrates and in the subsequent disassembly of the cell. We offer a series of caspase assays that allow the simple detection of active caspases in living cells in real time or as a snapshot.

Select caspase activity assays

Also see flow cytometry assays for caspase activity
Also see microplate assays for caspase activity

• Real-time no-wash assay for caspase activity
• Multiparameter assays for live and dead cells
• Antibodies for immunodetection of apoptosis

During apoptosis, ICE family members such as caspase-3 and -7 cleave PARP to yield an 85 kDa and a 25 kDa fragment. PARP cleavage is considered to be one of the classical characteristics of apoptosis. Antibodies to the 85 kDa fragment of cleaved PARP or to caspase-3 both serve as markers for apoptotic cells that can be monitored using immunofluorescence.

High-performance multiparameter apoptosis kits are formulated to allow the determination of live and dead cells in addition to the caspase status.

Select caspase imaging assays

• Rhodamine 110-derived caspase substrates are available with a variety of enzyme specificities.
• Real-time live-cell assays
• Optimized kits for cell lysates
• Individual substrates with choice of specificity

We offer microplate assays for caspase activity that can be performed on whole cells or on cell lysates. CellEvent Caspase-3/7 Green Detection Reagent is optimized for apoptosis analysis with a simple no-wash protocol that helps preserve delicate apoptotic cells. Live cells in microplate wells can be monitored in real time for apoptotic activity.

Microplate kits for caspase-3 measurement provide a choice of substrates with different wavelength emissions: Rhodamine 110 or AMCA can be used to report activity.

• Select caspase microplate assays