Phalloidin-TFAX 488 | 289620-19-5

Phalloidin-TFAX 488 is a specialized fluorescent probe used extensively in cell biology for labeling F-actin, a filamentous protein that forms an essential part of the cytoskeleton. The fluorescent moiety, TFAX 488, is a bright green dye that offers excellent photostability and high quantum yield, ensuring precise labeling and visualization of actin filaments within cells. Phalloidin, a toxin derived from the Amanita phalloides mushroom, binds specifically and tightly to F-actin, allowing researchers to stain and examine the cytoskeleton’s structure and dynamics under a fluorescence microscope. This specificity makes Phalloidin-TFAX 488 invaluable in diverse cell biology studies, particularly those examining cellular morphology and movement.

One critical application of Phalloidin-TFAX 488 is in studying cell motility and migration. By staining F-actin in live or fixed cells, researchers can observe changes in the cytoskeleton that drive cellular movement, enabling insights into processes like wound healing, cancer metastasis, and immune cell trafficking. The bright fluorescence of TFAX 488 allows for detailed visualizations, even in complex tissues, facilitating a deeper understanding of how cells navigate their environment.

Another significant use of Phalloidin-TFAX 488 is in the field of developmental biology. Researchers employ this probe to visualize F-actin distribution during embryogenesis, which is crucial for understanding how cells adopt specific shapes and positions as they differentiate and form tissue structures. The ability to precisely label actin filaments aids scientists in mapping cytoskeletal changes that influence tissue architecture and organ development over time.

Phalloidin-TFAX 488 plays a pivotal role in neuroscience research by enabling the study of synaptic structures. As synapses have complex and dynamic actin networks, visualizing them helps comprehend synaptic plasticity and signaling, contributing to our knowledge about learning and memory mechanisms. By applying this probe, researchers can reveal intricate details of synaptic organization and its correlation with neurological diseases.

Lastly, Phalloidin-TFAX 488 is crucial in the analysis of cell morphology and cytoskeletal abnormalities in various diseases. For instance, in cancer research, this probe helps visualize actin cytoskeletal disruptions that drive cell transformation and invasion. Understanding these alterations provides insights into potential therapeutic targets, making Phalloidin-TFAX 488 a valuable tool for both basic research and clinical diagnostics.