DAF-2 | 205391-01-1

DAF-2, short for 4,5-diaminofluorescein, is a fluorescent indicator specifically designed for the detection and measurement of nitric oxide (NO) levels in biological and chemical systems. DAF-2 is noted for its high sensitivity and selectivity towards NO, making it a valuable tool in research and diagnostic applications. The core functionality of DAF-2 revolves around its ability to undergo a chemical reaction with NO to form a fluorescent compound, DAF-2T, which can be easily detected and quantified using fluorescence microscopy or spectroscopy. This property allows researchers to investigate the presence and concentration of nitric oxide, a key signaling molecule involved in various physiological processes such as vasodilation, neurotransmission, and immune response, as well as its role in pathological conditions including inflammation and cancer.

One of the key applications of DAF-2 is in the field of neuroscience, where it is used to study the role of nitric oxide as a neurotransmitter. Nitric oxide is known to facilitate communication between neurons, influencing functions such as synaptic plasticity, memory formation, and neuroprotection. By using DAF-2, researchers are able to visualize and measure real-time changes in NO levels within neural networks, providing critical insights into the mechanisms by which NO impacts brain function and contributes to neurological disorders. This application is particularly important in advancing our understanding of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, where dysregulated NO signaling is implicated.

Another significant application of DAF-2 is in cardiovascular research. Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood pressure and vascular tone through its vasodilatory effects. By using DAF-2 in vitro and in vivo experiments, scientists can investigate how NO is produced and released by endothelial cells lining blood vessels and how this process affects blood flow and pressure under various physiological and pathological conditions. This capability is invaluable for developing new therapeutic strategies to treat cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, where NO signaling is often impaired.

In the field of immunology, DAF-2 is used to track NO production by immune cells during infection and inflammation. Nitric oxide acts as a mediator in immune response, with macrophages and other immune cells releasing NO to combat pathogens. However, excessive NO production can contribute to inflammatory diseases and tissue damage. Using DAF-2, researchers can map NO production and quantify its levels in immune responses, aiding in the development of anti-inflammatory drugs and therapies to modulate immune system activity in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and septic shock.

Lastly, DAF-2 is employed in cancer research, as aberrant NO signaling is often observed in tumors. Nitric oxide can have dual roles in cancer, promoting tumorigenic processes such as angiogenesis and metastasis, while also possessing cytotoxic effects that can inhibit tumor growth. By using DAF-2 to monitor NO production within tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment, researchers aim to unravel the complex roles of NO in cancer progression and therapy response. This application not only helps in understanding cancer biology but also in designing NO-targeted therapies that could become part of future cancer treatment regimens.