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 405
Alexa Fluor™ 405 (AF405, Alexa 405) has an excitation peak at 401 nm and an emission peak at 421 nm and is similar in size, brightness and application to V450 (BD Biosciences), Vio®Blue® (Miltenyi Biotec), Cascade Blue® (ThermoFisher Scientific), Pacific Blue® (ThermoFisher Scientific). Alexa 405 is most commonly used in flow cytometery, and fluorescence microscopy applications.