AF488 Plectin-1-targeting peptide – Fluorescent Peptides

Plectin is a large protein found in nearly all mammalian cells and it acts as a link between the three main components of the cytoskeleton: actin microfilaments- microtubules and intermediate filaments. Plectin also links the cytoskeleton to junctions found in the plasma membrane that structurally connect different cells. Therefore plectin plays an important role in maintaining the mechanical integrity and viscoelastic properties of tissues. In cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle, plectin is localised to specialised entities known as Z-discs. Plectin binds several proteins including: vinculin, DES, actin, fodrin, microtubule-associating proteins, nuclear laminin B, SPTAN1, vimentin and ITGB4. Mutations in PLEC have been associated with epidermolysis bullosa simplex with muscular dystrophy. Plectin has been proposed as a biomarker for pancreatic cancer. Alexa Fluor 488 dye is a bright, green-fluorescent dye with excitation maxima around 490 and emission maxima around 525. Alexa Fluor 488 dye is pH-insensitive over a wide molar range.