Caspase-3/7 Activity Plate Reader Assay Kit, Blue
For detection of caspase-3/7 activity in cell lysates prepared from mammalian cells undergoing apoptosis
Overview
Caspase-3 and caspase-7 have a proteolytic substrate selectivity for the peptide sequence Asp-Glu-Val-Asp (DEVD). When added to apoptotic cells, Ac-DEVD-AMC is cleaved by activated caspase-3/7, generating a blue fluorescent signal that can be detected by standard plate readers.
Caspases are a family of proteases that play a central role in cellular apoptosis through the cleavage of select proteins, and result in the disassembly of the cell (Thornberry & Lazebnik Science, 1998). This process is switched on by pro-apoptotic signals from death receptors or stimuli such as cytotoxic reagents, which activate the initiator caspases and lead to activation of the effector caspases—caspase-3 and caspase-7 (Thornberry & Lazebnik Science, 1998). Caspase assays are useful for quantifying caspase-3/7 activity in apoptotic cells and for screening caspase-3/7 inhibitors.
Scientific Resources
Product Documentation
Find supporting information and directions for use in the Product Information Sheet or explore additional protocols below.
Data and Publications

Figure 1. Caspase-3/7 Activity Plate Reader Assay Kit, Blue
Jurkat cells were treated with 0.2% DMSO (Control) or 1 µM staurosporine (STSP), and in the presence or absence of Z-VAD-FMK (a pan-caspase inhibitor). Caspase-3/7 activity was assessed as a measure of fluorescence using the Caspase-3/7 Activity Plate Reader Assay Kit, Blue. Data are shown as the mean from two independent experiments.
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