Fukanoshi Co. Ltd.

LipiDye II is an advanced fluorescent dye specifically designed for detecting Lipid Droplets (LDs) with exceptional sensitivity, minimal cytotoxicity, and remarkable photostability. This dye surpasses previous options by enabling the detection of even the smallest LDs (less than 1µm) and facilitating long-term time-lapse imaging, including Z-stack imaging. Through the application of this innovative dye, researchers can successfully observe the dynamic processes of LD biosynthesis, degradation, and movement within live cells.

Migrastatin

Migrastatin is a natural compound isolated from actinomycetes, initially reported in 2000, with extensive research conducted on its mechanism of action and analogues. It has demonstrated significant potential as an anti-cancer agent, specifically in inhibiting cancer cell migration and invasion. Through its interference with molecular pathways involved in cell migration, migrastatin may prevent the metastasis of cancer cells. Its structure-activity relationship has been explored, leading to the development of analogues with improved potency and specificity. The continued investigation of migrastatin and its analogues holds promise for the development of novel anti-cancer therapies and other medical applications.

NucleoSeeing

NucleoSeeing is an innovative live cell imaging probe that specifically binds to DNA, resulting in the emission of green fluorescence. This versatile product is not limited to animal cells or tissues but can also be utilized in Arabidopsis thaliana's Guard cells with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, NucleoSeeing serves as a pH sensor within the nucleus.

This commercially available product has been developed under a license from the Nagoya Institute of Technology. Comprising a green fluorescent dye and a DNA binding tag, NucleoSeeing remains in a folded conformation and does not emit fluorescence when not bound to DNA. However, upon binding to DNA, its conformation changes, leading to the emission of green fluorescence.

NucleoSeeing offers several advantages, including a high signal-to-noise ratio, excitation/emission wavelengths of 488 nm/520 nm, low cytotoxicity, applicability to both live and fixed cells, compatibility with animal samples and plant cells (validated in A. thaliana's leaf and guard cells), reversibility (can be washed out by replacing the medium), and its ability to serve as a nucleus pH sensor.

Figure 2. Reversible staining capability of NucleoSeeing. HeLa cells were exposed to 1 μM Hoechst33342 and NucleoSeeing for a duration of 15 minutes, followed by washing with PBS and subsequent 24-hour culture. Notably, even after this time period, more than 80% of the blue signal from Hoechst33342 remained, while the green signals emitted by NucleoSeeing experienced a significant reduction within 12 hours.

CytoSeeing

CytoSeeing is an innovative fluorescent dye that offers prompt staining of the cytoplasm by simply adding it to the culture medium. One of the key advantages of this product is its easy removal after observation by replacing the medium with CytoSeeing-free solution.

Commercialized based on research conducted at Hokkaido University Faculty of Science, CytoSeeing addresses a common challenge associated with conventional cytoplasm staining dyes. These dyes tend to remain in the cytoplasm even after a medium change, making it difficult to observe cells using other probes during live cell imaging. Furthermore, they gradually dilute during cell division and disappear after 3 to 6 population doublings.

In contrast, CytoSeeing offers a solution by being easily washed out through a simple medium replacement that does not contain CytoSeeing. This user-friendly protocol allows for efficient staining of the cytoplasm without any staining of the nucleus. CytoSeeing is compatible with both green and red fluorescent dyes, has minimal impact on cell function, and is suitable for use with adhesive and suspension cells. After imaging, cells stained with CytoSeeing can be utilized for further assays without any interference.