About CD254
This gene encodes a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) cytokine family which is a ligand for osteoprotegerin and functions as a key factor for osteoclast differentiation and activation. This protein was shown to be a dentritic cell survival factor and is involved in the regulation of T cell-dependent immune response. T cell activation was reported to induce expression of this gene and lead to an increase of osteoclastogenesis and bone loss. This protein was shown to activate antiapoptotic kinase AKT/PKB through a signaling complex involving SRC kinase and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) 6, which indicated this protein may have a role in the regulation of cell apoptosis. Targeted disruption of the related gene in mice led to severe osteopetrosis and a lack of osteoclasts. The deficient mice exhibited defects in early differentiation of T and B lymphocytes, and failed to form lobulo-alveolar mammary structures during pregnancy. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

About Alexa Fluor 532
Alexa Fluor™ 532 (AF532, Alexa 532) has an excitation peak at 532 nm and an emission peak at 554 nm, and is spectrally similar to Cy®3 (GE Healthcare), TRITC, iFluor® 514 (ATT Bioquest) and iFluor® 546 (ATT Bioquest). Many flow cytometers are equipped with 532nm lasers, so while Alexa 532 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.