About MMP-8
This gene encodes a member of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family of proteins. These proteins are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in embryonic development, reproduction, and tissue remodeling, as well as in disease processes, such as arthritis and metastasis. Proteolysis at different sites on this protein results in multiple active forms of the enzyme with distinct N-termini. This protein functions in the degradation of type I, II and III collagens. The gene is part of a cluster of MMP genes which localize to chromosome 11q22.3. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2015]

About Alexa Fluor 647
Alexa Fluor™ 647 (AF647, Alexa 647) has an excitation peak at 650 nm and an emission peak at 665 nm, and is spectrally similar to Cy®5 (GE Healthcare), iFluor® 647 (ATT Bioquest), and DyLight™ 650 (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Alexa 647 is commonly used for flow cytometry, microscopy, super-resolution microscopy applications. It is very bright, photostable, and pH insensitive, all of which contribute to sensitive detection while using this dye.