About GDF-15
This gene encodes a secreted ligand of the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) superfamily of proteins. Ligands of this family bind various TGF-beta receptors leading to recruitment and activation of SMAD family transcription factors that regulate gene expression. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate each subunit of the disulfide-linked homodimer. The protein is expressed in a broad range of cell types, acts as a pleiotropic cytokine and is involved in the stress response program of cells after cellular injury. Increased protein levels are associated with disease states such as tissue hypoxia, inflammation, acute injury and oxidative stress. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2016]

About Alexa Fluor 594
Alexa Fluor™ 594 (AF594, Alexa 594) has an excitation peak at 590 nm and an emission peak at 617 nm, and is spectrally similar to Texas Red (ThermoFisher Scientific), DyLight™ 594 (ThermoFisher Scientific), iFluor® 594 (ATT Bioquest) and iFluor® 610 (ATT Bioquest), CF®594 (Biotium), and ATTO 594 (ATTO-TEC). Alexa 594 is commonly used for flow cytometry,fluorescence microscopy and super-resolution microscopy. It is very bright, photostable, and pH insensitive.