JC-1 exists in monomer and polymer form, and their emission spectra are different. In normal cells with high mitochondrial membrane potentia, JC-1 accumulates in the matrix of mitochondria as polymer, which producing red fluorescence. Since the decreasing of mitochondrial membrane potential during early stage of apoptosis, JC-1 can no longer be accumulated in the mitochondrial matrix, that becomes monomer with green fluorescence. Therefore, both red and green fluorescence need to be observed.
Cell Function
Is it able to measure red fluorescence only when operating JC-1 assay?
Source: Elabscience®Published: Mar 04,2024