About PLEKHA1
This gene encodes a pleckstrin homology domain-containing adapter protein. The encoded protein is localized to the plasma membrane where it specifically binds phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate. This protein may be involved in the formation of signaling complexes in the plasma membrane. Polymorphisms in this gene are associated with age-related macular degeneration. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants. A pseudogene of this gene is found on chromosome 5.[provided by RefSeq, Sep 2010]

About FITC
Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) has an excitation peak at 495 nm and an emission peak at 519 nm. The name FITC is a misnomer in that the isothiocyanate is a reactive form of this dye. Once FITC is conjugated to an antibody, it is simply Fluorescein conjugated. FITC is one of the most widely used dyes for fluorescent applications, therefore most instruments come standard with a 488 nm laser and FITC filter set up. FITC is commonly conjugated to secondary antibodies and used in applications such as flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry. FITC is relatively dim, sensitive to photobleaching and it is susceptible to changes is pH. There are better performing alternatives to FITC, like Vio®Bright 515, Alexa Fluor™ 488, iFluor® 488, CF®488A and DY-488. FITC is a long-time generic dye with no sole manufacturer or trademark.