ATF2 Reporter Lentivirus

Background

ATF2 (activating transcription factor 2), also known as CREB2, is a member of the bZIP family of transcription factors. It binds specific DNA elements, often as a homodimer or in heterodimers with partners such as c-Jun, to regulate target gene transcription. ATF2 is a key effector of stress-activated signaling: pro-inflammatory cytokines, DNA-damaging agents, and ultraviolet radiation activate the JNK and p38 MAPK cascades, which phosphorylate ATF2 and stimulate its transcriptional activity. Through these inputs, ATF2 controls genes involved in stress responses, inflammation, cell cycle, and apoptosis, and its dysregulation has been linked to cancer and inflammatory disease.

Product Description & Applications

The ATF2 Reporter Lentivirus is a lentiviral reporter system that detects transcriptional activity mediated by ATF2 in mammalian cells. The construct contains tandem repeats of consensus ATF2 DNA-binding elements within the JNK signaling pathway, driving expression of a fluorescent (GFP, RFP, BFP, mCherry, EGFP, d2GFP) or luminescent (firefly, Renilla, or Gaussia luciferase) reporter. It provides a sensitive readout of ATF2 activation in response to stress stimuli such as cytokines, DNA damage, and UV radiation. A range of antibiotic selection markers (blasticidin, hygromycin, puromycin, zeocin) supports establishment of stable reporter cell lines. Supplied as lentiviral particles purified by PEG precipitation and sucrose gradient centrifugation, it ensures efficient transduction of difficult-to-transfect cells, including primary and thawed cells.

About This Product

This reporter lentivirus places a BFP2, d2GFP, EGFP, Firefly Luc, Gaussia Luc, GFP, GFP + Firefly Luc, mCherry, Renilla Luc, RFP, RFP + Firefly Luc reporter gene under the control of tandem consensus response elements specific for the ATF2/JNK 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 (Blasticidin, Hygromycin, Puromycin, Zeocin) 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.