5-Bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide CAS:4264-82-8

5-Bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide (X-Gluc) is a chromogenic substrate commonly used for the detection of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) activity. GUS is an enzyme found in various organisms, including bacteria, plants, and mammals. X-Gluc is frequently used in GUS reporter assays and molecular biology research.

The main application of X-Gluc is in histochemical staining techniques, where it can visualize the expression and activity of the GUS enzyme. This substrate is cell-permeable and becomes hydrolyzed by GUS, resulting in the formation of a blue precipitate or insoluble product. This blue staining allows researchers to identify and localize GUS activity in cells, tissues, and whole organisms.

X-Gluc can also be used in quantitative assays to measure GUS enzyme activity. The intensity of the blue color or the amount of product formed can be correlated with the level of GUS expression or its enzymatic activity.

Additionally, X-Gluc has been employed in plant genetic research to study gene expression, promoter activity, and plant transformation. It has also been used in bacterial systems for cloning and detecting GUS fusion proteins.