About HSD17B1
This gene encodes a member of the 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase family of short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases. It has a dual function in estrogen activation and androgen inactivation and plays a major role in establishing the estrogen E2 concentration gradient between serum and peripheral tissues. The encoded protein catalyzes the last step in estrogen activation, using NADPH to convert estrogens E1 and E2 and androgens like 4-androstenedione, to testosterone. It has an N-terminal short-chain dehydrogenase domain with a cofactor binding site, and a narrow, hydrophobic C-terminal domain with a steroid substrate binding site. This gene is expressed primarily in the placenta and ovarian granulosa cells, and to a lesser extent, in the endometrium, adipose tissue, and prostate. Polymorphisms in this gene have been linked to breast and prostate cancer. A pseudogene of this gene has been identified. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2016]

About Alexa Fluor 555
Alexa Fluor™ 555 (AF555, Alexa 555) has an excitation peak at 555 nm and an emission peak at 565 nm, and is spectrally similar to Cy®3 (GE Healthcare), TRITC, iFluor® 555 (ATT Bioquest) and iFluor® 560 (ATT Bioquest). Many flow cytometers are equipped with 532nm lasers, so while Alexa 555 can be used for flow cytometry, PE is more commonly used due to its brightness and spectral characteristics. This dye is commonly used for fluorescence microscopy applications.