The DermaTACS Kit was developed to provide researchers with an effective method for measuring apoptosis in skin samples. The kit was based on DNA end-labeling using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), modified nucleotides (BrdU). Detection of incorporated molecules is achieved using a biotinylated BrdU antibody and chromogenic substrate with a Streptavidin horseradish peroxidase detection system.
The extracellular scaffolding in skin tissue can make it problematic to permeabilize and high background is a common problem with skin samples. The DermaTACS Kit includes two permeabilization reagents as options for permeabilization along with a detailed protocol with hints and tips for optimal labeling of skin samples based on empirical testing. Low background is achieved using a combination of optimized reagents and visualization methods. Also included is TACS-Nuclease to generate a positive control from your own sample. In conjunction with the excellent contrast between the TACS Blue Label and the Red Counterstain C, the positive control ensures easy data interpretation.
