Cholesterol is an essential structural component of animal cell membranes. It is required to maintain membrane structural integrity and fluidity. Cholesterol also serves as a precursor for the biosynthesis of several hormones, bile acid and vitamin D. Plasma membrane contains majority of the cellular cholesterol (80-90%) whereas little cholesterol resides in endoplasmic reticulum and in mitochondrial membrane. Transport of intracellular cholesterol within the cells to different compar;ents is through vesicular and non-vesicular pathways. Defects in these transport processes can alter cellular cholesterol metabolism resulting in pathological conditions. Filipin III is widely used as a probe for sterol localization in membranes. Interaction with cholesterol alters Filipin absorption and fluorescence spectra. This assay provides a simple, easy to perform, histochemical method of identification of unesterified cholesterol.
Applications :
Screen/study/characterize stimulators/inhibitors that affect cholesterol transport and localization in a variety of cells.
For Research Use Only. Not intended for any clinical use. No products from Creative BioMart may be resold, modified for resale or used to manufacture commercial products without prior written approval from Creative BioMart.
For Research Use Only. Not intended for any clinical use. No products from Creative BioMart may be resold, modified for resale or used to manufacture commercial products without prior written approval from Creative BioMart.