ImaGene Red™ C₁₂RG lacZ Gene Expression Kit (Invitrogen™)

The ImaGene Red™ lacZ Gene Expression Kit contains a fluorescein-based galactosidase substrate that has been covalently modified to include a 12-carbon lipophilic moiety, C₁₂RG. Once inside the cell, the substrates are cleaved by β-galactosidase, producing a fluorescent product that is well retained by the cells, probably by incorporation of the lipophilic tail within the cellular membrane. In addition to the C₁₂RG, the kits also include the broad-spectrum β-galactosidase inhibitor, PETG, and chloroquine diphosphate for inhibiting acidic hydrolysis of the substrate.