Phalloidin, Coumarin Labeled

Phalloidin, Coumarin Labeled, is a derivative of the naturally occurring toxin phalloidin that has been chemically linked to a coumarin fluorophore. Phalloidin itself is sourced from the deadly Amanita phalloides, or "death cap" mushroom, and is known for its strong and specific affinity to F-actin, a polymerized form of actin filaments in eukaryotic cells. The primary action of phalloidin involves binding to actin filaments, stabilizing them against depolymerization, which effectively preserves the filamentous structure of actin within the cell.When tagged with a coumarin fluorophore, phalloidin not only stabilizes F-actin but also renders these filaments fluorescent, facilitating their visualization under a fluorescence microscope. The coumarin label emits blue fluorescence when excited, making it possible to observe and study the complex network of actin filaments with high-resolution imaging. This tool has been indispensable in research focused on understanding the cytoskeleton′s role in processes like cell motility, integrity, division, and signaling pathways. Coumarin-labeled phalloidin is particularly useful for detailed cellular imaging where multiple staining is required; its distinct fluorescence can be easily differentiated from other dyes, allowing simultaneous visualization of multiple cellular components. This capability enhances the study of dynamic interactions within the cell, providing insights into cellular architecture and function without altering the native state of the cytoskeleton.