Description
Key facts
Sample types:Suspension cells, Adherent cells,
Assay type:Direct,
Assay Platform:Flow cytometer
Product details:
NIR Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Assay Kit (Flow Cytometry) ab112149 is designed to detect cell apoptosis by measuring the loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential. The collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential 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.
ab112149 uses our proprietary cationic NIR probe for the detection of apoptosis in cells with the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. In normal cells, the red fluorescence intensity is increased when the MitoNIR Dye is accumulated in the mitochondria. However, in apoptotic cells, the NIR stain intensity is decreased following the collapse of MMP. Cells stained with NIR Dye can be visualized with a flow cytometer at red excitation and far red emission (FL4 channel).
ab112149 provides all the essential components. ab112149 can be used together with other reagents, such as blue laser excited propidium iodide and for studying cell vitality and apoptosis. ab112149 is optimized for screening apoptosis activators and inhibitors with a flow cytometer.
**Related assays**Review the to learn about kits to perform a , and . Review the to learn about assays for metabolites, metabolic enzymes, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress, and also about how to assay metabolic function in live cells using your plate reader.
Properties and Storage Information:
Shipped at conditions-Blue Ice, Appropriate short-term storage conditions--20°C, Appropriate long-term storage conditions--20°C, Storage information--20°C
Supplementary Information:
This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.
The mitochondrial membrane potential also known as ΔΨm is the electrical potential difference across the inner mitochondrial membrane. This potential results from the electrochemical gradient produced by the proton pumps during electron transport chain activity. The mechanical function of the mitochondrial membrane potential is important to ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondrial membranes are widely expressed in almost all eukaryotic cells and are an essential component of cellular metabolism. The inner membrane is structured to facilitate its function housing integral proteins that are key to maintaining the potential.
Biological function summary
The mitochondrial membrane potential drives ATP synthesis by powering ATP synthase an enzyme complex embedded in the mitochondrial membrane. This potential also plays a vital role in other processes such as calcium homeostasis and regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis. The mitochondrial membrane itself forms part of the larger mitochondrial respiratory chain complex coordinating with components like complex I (NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase) and complex II (succinate dehydrogenase) to maintain cell energy needs and respond to metabolic demands.
Pathways
The mitochondrial membrane potential is integral to cellular energy metabolism pathways such as the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondrial membrane potential modulation can affect signaling proteins like cytochrome c which is instrumental in apoptosis. Apoptotic signaling pathways involving proteins such as Bax and Bcl-2 influence the mitochondrial membrane potential and regulate cell survival or death in response to cellular stress or damage.
Changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential relate significantly to conditions like neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. In neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer's dysregulation of mitochondrial membrane potential can lead to impaired energy production and increased oxidative stress. Cancer cells often exhibit altered mitochondrial membrane potential affecting processes like apoptosis and enabling survival in adverse conditions. These alterations in potential impact proteins such as p53 which play critical roles in cancer progression and neurodegenerative disease pathology.
