NP-EGTA
A photolabile Ca2+ chelator
General Information
Calcium is the most important signalling molecule inside cells. It is involved in the regulation of neurotransmission, gene-expression, muscle contraction and many more.o-nitrophenyl EGTA (NP-EGTA) is a photolabile Ca2+ chelator that is highly specific for Ca2+ ions and unaffected by physiological Mg2+ concentrations. Photolysis by illumination with UV-light decreases the affinity of NP-EGTA for Ca2+ ions ~ 12,500-fold and the Ca2+ ions become physiologically available. By this approach regulatory effects of calcium on cellular processes can be studied.
