| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | |
| Promoter | |
| Reporter | |
| Selection Marker | Blasticidin, Puromycin |
| Shipping | |
| Species |
Background
Genetically encoded calcium indicators (GECIs) are protein-based sensors that convert changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration into measurable fluorescence. Calcium is a universal second messenger, and its transient elevation underlies neuronal firing, cardiac myocyte contraction, secretion, and many signaling events downstream of receptor activation. GCaMP-family sensors fuse a circularly permuted fluorescent protein to calmodulin and a calmodulin-binding peptide, so that Ca2+ binding produces a rapid, reversible increase in brightness. Driven by neuron-specific promoters such as human synapsin, GECIs allow real-time imaging of activity in defined cell populations. These tools are central to systems neuroscience, cardiac physiology, and studies of calcium dynamics in health and disease.
Product Description & Applications
The GECI Reporter Lentivirus delivers a genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator for real-time imaging of cytosolic calcium in living mammalian cells. Neuron-specific human synapsin promoter versions express the jGCaMP7b or red-shifted jYCaMP1s sensors for recording neuronal calcium signaling in vitro, while CMV-driven versions enable measurement in cardiac myocytes and kidney cells. A drug-selection marker (puromycin or blasticidin) supports rapid establishment of stable reporter cell lines, typically within about ten days. Applications include monitoring neuronal activity, cardiac and renal calcium handling, and potential transduction of brain cortex neurons to interrogate neuronal activity in vivo. Supplied as high-quality pre-packaged lentivirus purified by PEG precipitation and sucrose gradient centrifugation, it efficiently transduces difficult-to-transfect cells, including primary and thawed cells.
About This Product
This reporter lentivirus places a EGFP, JGCamP, JYCamP, mCherry, GFP, RFP, Luc reporter gene under the control of tandem consensus response elements specific for the Calcium signaling transcription factor, coupled to a minimal TATA-box promoter and a proprietary upstream enhancer that maximizes signal-to-noise. The constitutively expressed selection marker (Blasticidin, Puromycin) and/or secondary reporter enables stable polyclonal cell line generation and flexible readout by fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, or luminometry.
Stable integration via the lentiviral backbone ensures consistent, clonally representative reporter expression in dividing and post-mitotic target cells — including primary T cells, macrophages, organoids, and cryopreserved material — eliminating the variability inherent to transient transfection. The self-inactivating LTR design and third-generation packaging minimize insertional mutagenesis risk and ensure biosafety classification at BSL-2.
Can't find the lentiviral construct you need, or want to adjust key design elements? Contact us to discuss custom LV design and optional add-ons.
Common customization requests
- Insert / payload: replace the gene/sequence, swap to a different isoform, add mutations, or optimize cloning features.
- Expression design: change promoter (e.g., CMV/EF1α/PGK), add enhancers, or adjust regulatory elements.
- Reporters: add/swap GFP/RFP/mCherry/luciferase (single or dual reporters where applicable).
- Selection markers: add/swap puromycin/blasticidin/neomycin or fluorescent selection options.
- Vector format: switch between OE, shRNA, CRISPR (sgRNA/Cas systems), or control vectors (where supported).
Add-ons you can request
- Control viruses: empty vector, non-targeting shRNA, reporter-only controls, or matched backbone controls.
- Packaging / format: concentration options, aliquoting, or custom fill volume for screening workflows.
- Documentation: construct map/sequence confirmation package (as available) and batch documentation.
What to include in your request
- Target cell type/model (cell line or primary cells) and intended readout (reporter, knockdown, OE, etc.)
- Insert sequence (FASTA) or reference ID, plus any required tags/mutations
- Promoter, reporter, and selection marker preferences
- Desired scale and preferred format (aliquots / concentration requests)
Email us at support@biohippo.com or use the Talk to a Scientist request form.
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