XRE Reporter Lentivirus

Background

The xenobiotic response element (XRE), also called the dioxin response element, is the DNA sequence recognized by the activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). In its inactive state AhR resides in the cytosol bound to chaperone proteins. Upon binding ligands such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) or other xenobiotics, AhR releases its chaperones, translocates to the nucleus, and dimerizes with the AhR nuclear translocator (ARNT). The AhR-ARNT complex then binds XRE sequences to activate genes encoding xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, including cytochrome P450 family members. Beyond detoxification, AhR contributes to immune regulation, cell differentiation, and barrier function, and its dysregulation is implicated in inflammation, toxic responses, and cancer.

Product Description & Applications

The XRE Reporter Lentivirus is a transcription factor reporter system that provides a sensitive fluorescent or luminescent readout of AhR transcriptional activity in mammalian cells. The construct contains tandem repeats of the consensus xenobiotic response element, the DNA binding site for activated AhR, placed upstream of a minimal promoter driving a reporter gene (GFP, RFP, or firefly luciferase), with an optimized upstream enhancer that maximizes signal-to-noise. A constitutive drug selection marker (Puromycin or Blasticidin) enables generation of stable reporter cell lines. The system is useful for detecting AhR activation in response to xenobiotic exposure or other conditions promoting AhR nuclear translocation. Supplied as high-titer particles purified by PEG precipitation and sucrose gradient centrifugation, it is suited to primary and difficult-to-transfect cells.

About This Product

This reporter lentivirus places a EGFP, Firefly Luc, GFP, Luc, mCherry, Renilla Luc, RFP reporter gene under the control of tandem consensus response elements specific for the Xenobiotic stress/AhR signaling pathway transcription factor, coupled to a minimal TATA-box promoter and a proprietary upstream enhancer that maximizes signal-to-noise. The constitutively expressed selection marker (Puromycin, Blasticidin) 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.