$362.00 - $362.00
Ac-DEVD-AMC is a fluorogenic tetrapeptide substrate for executioner caspase activity, particularly caspase-3 and caspase-7. It combines the DEVD recognition sequence with 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (AMC) as the fluorescent reporter.
The substrate is widely used when sensitive measurement of apoptosis-associated protease activity is required in purified-enzyme systems, cell lysates and assay-development workflows.
Product Information
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ac-DEVD-AMC |
| CAS No. | 169332-61-0 |
| Sequence | Ac-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-AMC |
| Sequence Shortening | Ac-DEVD-AMC |
| Peptide Length | 4 amino-acid residues |
| Molecular Formula | C30H37N5O13 |
| Molecular Weight | Approximately 675.6 Da |
| Reporter Group | 7-Amino-4-methylcoumarin (AMC) |
| Primary Research Enzymes | Caspase-3 and caspase-7 |
| Research Areas | Apoptosis, executioner caspases, enzyme kinetics, inhibitor screening |
DEVD Recognition and AMC Release
The DEVD motif is strongly associated with executioner caspase recognition. Cleavage after the C-terminal Asp releases free AMC, producing a substantial increase in fluorescence.
Free AMC is commonly monitored in the approximately 340–380 nm excitation and 440–460 nm emission range, with the exact settings depending on instrument and assay configuration.
Why Fluorogenic Detection Is Useful
Fluorescence provides high sensitivity at relatively low substrate conversion and can be used for kinetic measurements in multiwell assay formats.
Ac-DEVD-AMC is particularly useful when researchers need to follow enzyme activity over time rather than relying only on a single endpoint measurement.
Caspase-3 Versus Caspase-7
DEVD-based substrates are commonly described as caspase-3 reagents, but caspase-7 also efficiently recognizes this motif. A fluorescence increase therefore represents DEVD-cleaving activity unless the experimental system independently establishes which enzyme is responsible.
We recommend combining substrate assays with appropriate inhibitors, purified enzymes or orthogonal measurements when individual executioner caspases must be distinguished.
Quality and Assay Planning
Reporter identity, molecular mass and chromatographic purity should be confirmed for quantitative enzyme studies. Our Peptide Quality Control capabilities support analytical HPLC and mass spectrometry according to the selected specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AMC mean in Ac-DEVD-AMC?
AMC is 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin, a fluorophore released after cleavage of the peptide substrate.
Does Ac-DEVD-AMC measure only caspase-3?
No. Caspase-7 can also efficiently cleave DEVD substrates, so the biological context should be considered when assigning enzyme identity.
Can other fluorogenic caspase substrates be prepared?
Alternative sequences and reporter-group conjugates can be evaluated through Chemical Peptide Synthesis.