Application

Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Kit has been used to measure mitochondrial membrane potential.

General description

Mitochondria generate a potential across their membranes due to the activities of enzymes of the electron transport chain. During apoptosis, collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) coincides with the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pores, leading to the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol, which in turn triggers other downstream events in the apoptotic cascade.

Principle

This kit utilizes JC-10, a superior alternative to JC-1, for determining the loss of the MMP in cells. Although JC-1 is widely used in many labs, its poor water solubility often results in precipitation in aqueous buffers when used at higher concentrations. At higher concentrations, JC-10 exhibits greater aqueous solubility than JC-1. Similar to JC-1, JC-10 is a cationic, lipophilic dye that is concentrated and forms reversible red-fluorescent JC-10 aggregates (λ_ex = 540/λ_em = 590 nm) in the mitochondria of cells with a polarized mitochondrial membrane. In apoptotic cells, MMP collapse results in the failure to retain JC-10 in the mitochondria and a return of the dye to its monomeric, green fluorescent form (λ_ex = 490/λ_em = 525 nm). This kit can be used for monitoring apoptosis and for screening apoptosis inhibitors and activators.

Suitability

This kit is suitable for the detection of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in mammalian cells and for screening apoptosis inhibitors and activators using microplate readers.