Cell Navigator(TM) Mitochondrion Staining Kit *NIR Fluorescence*

Ex: 660 nm. Em: 693 nm. Mitochondria are membrane-enclosed organelles found in most eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria generate most of the cellular supply of ATP. In addition to supplying cellular energy, mitochondria are involved in a range of other processes, such as signaling, cellular differentiation, cell death, as well as the control of the cell cycle and cell growth. Mitochondria have been implicated in several human diseases, including mitochondrial disorders and cardiac dysfunction, and may play a role in the aging process. Our Cell NavigatorT fluorescence imaging kits are a set of fluorescence imaging tools for labeling sub-cellular organelles such as membranes, lysosomes, mitochondria, nuclei, etc. The selective labeling of live cell compartments provides a powerful method for studying cellular events in a spatial and temporal context. This particular kit is designed to label mitochondria in live cells with near infrared (NIR) fluorescence. The kit uses our proprietary dye that selectively accumulates in mitochondria probably via the mitochondrial membrane potential gradient. The NIR fluorescent mitochondrial stain used in the kit has Ex/Em = 660/693 nm, which is an ideal choice for imaging live cells and tissues where low background, and high signal-to-noise ratio is critical. The mitochondrial indicator, a hydrophobic compound, easily permeates intact live cells and trapped in mitochondria after it gets into cells. This fluorescent mitochondrial indicator is retained in mitochondria for a long time since it carries a cell-retaining group. This key feature significantly increases the staining efficiency. The kit can be readily adapted for many different types of fluorescence platforms, such as microplate assays, immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. It is useful for a variety of studies, including cell adhesion, chemotaxis, multidrug resistance, cell viability, apoptosis and cytotoxicity. The kit provides all the essential components and can be used for both proliferating and non-proliferating cells.