About CX3CL1
This gene belongs to the CX3C subgroup of chemokines, characterized by the number of amino acids located between the conserved cysteine residues. This is the only member of the CX3C subgroup, which contains three amino acids between cysteine residues, resulting in a Cys-X-X-X-Cys configuration. The encoded protein contains an extended mucin-like stalk with a chemokine domain on top, and exists in both a membrane-anchored form where it acts as a binding molecule, or, in soluble form, as a chemotactic cytokine. The mature form of this protein can be cleaved at the cell surface, yielding different soluble forms that can interact with the G-protein coupled receptor, C-X3-C motif chemokine receptor 1 gene product. This gene plays a role in a wide range of diseases, including cancer, vasculitis, neuropathies, atherosclerosis, inflammatory diseases, and in human immunodeficiency virus infections. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2017]

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.