β-galactosidase (β-GAL) Activity Assay Kit

β-galactosidase (β-GAL) is a hydrolase enzyme that plays a critical role in the cleavage of β-galactosidic bonds, primarily catalyzing the hydrolysis of lactose into glucose and galactose. Beyond its fundamental role in carbohydrate metabolism, this enzyme has become an indispensable tool in multiple research fields, with far-reaching applications that span basic science and applied research.
In molecular biology, β-GAL is widely used as a reporter gene in cloning and expression systems. Its activity can be easily detected using chromogenic or fluorogenic substrates, enabling researchers to monitor gene expression levels, vector transfection efficiency, and promoter activity with high precision. This application has accelerated the development of genetic engineering, transgenic research, and the study of gene regulatory networks.

In developmental biology and aging research, β-GAL activity is closely associated with cellular senescence. Senescent cells exhibit increased β-GAL expression (often referred to as senescence-associated β-galactosidase, SA-β-GAL), making it a reliable biomarker for identifying and studying aging processes in tissues and cell cultures. This has facilitated investigations into age-related diseases, regenerative medicine, and anti-aging interventions.

In clinical and translational research, abnormalities in β-GAL activity are linked to several genetic disorders, such as galactosemia—a metabolic disorder caused by deficient β-GAL activity leading to lactose intolerance and potential organ damage. Additionally, β-GAL has been implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, where its dysregulation may contribute to amyloid-beta accumulation. Accurate measurement of β-GAL activity is therefore essential for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of targeted therapies.

In plant and agricultural research, β-GAL is involved in fruit ripening, cell wall modification, and stress response mechanisms. Measuring its activity helps researchers understand post-harvest physiology, improve crop quality, and develop stress-tolerant plant varieties.

Given its diverse roles across research disciplines, the demand for a sensitive, accurate, and easy-to-use β-GAL activity assay kit is consistently high. Our β-GAL Activity Assay Kit is designed to meet these research needs, providing a reliable method for quantifying β-GAL activity in various sample types, including animal and plant tissues, and cells.