Cat. # CSK01

Product uses include fixing cells in

• Tissue culture samples
• Tissue samples
• Blood samples
  
  

Material

Cytoskelfix™ is a new cell fixative that is ideal for fixing actin and tubulin based structures in fine detail. Traditionally microtubule structures have been fixed with cold methanol, whereas F-actin structures have been fixed with paraformaldehyde or a similar cross linker. Cytoskelfix™ reagent allows you fix both at the same time which reduces time and costs, and assists in visualizing both types of structures in the same cell without losing clarity. Recent publications have shown this reagent to enhance the visualization of F-actin and microtubule associated proteins. Cytoskelfix™ requires that cells are embedded in a 3D matrix such as a fibrin clot, Matrigel or pieces of tissue. This reagent is not recommended for cells grown on glass or plastic surfaces without a 3D supporting matrix.

Examples of publications that have cited the use of this reagent are: 

Robinson RW and Snyder JA. 2004. An innovative fixative for cytoskeletal components allows high resolution in colocalization studies using immunofluorescence techniques. Histochem. Cell Biol. 122, 1-5. 

Robinson RW and Snyder JA. 2005. Localization of myosin II to chromosome arms and spindle fibers in PtK1 cells: a possible role for an actomyosin system in mitosis. Protoplasma, 225, 113-122.

Robinson RW and Snyder JA. 2006. Colocalization studies of Arp1 and p150Glued to spindle microtubules during mitosis: The effect of cytochalasin on the organization of microtubules and motor proteins in PtK1 cells. Cell Biology International, 30, 631-639.

Figure 1: Actin stained with rhodamine phalloidin (red), tubulin stained with anti-tubulin (Cat.# ATN02) plus a fluorescein secondary antibody (green). Cytoskelfix™ is a trademark R&D Enterprises Inc. Bar = 10um.