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| Sample Type(s) | Cells etc |
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Overview
Bright bioluminescent reagent system for rapid quantitation of luciferase reporter gene expression in transfected cells and high-throughput drug screens. The assay uses Luminescence for signal readout. Compatible sample input includes Cells etc. Typical stated assay timing is 2 min.
Key elements and design rationale
- Readout format: Luminescence supports plate-based signal acquisition and consistent comparison across matched samples.
- Sample compatibility: The stated sample scope includes Cells etc, which is useful when aligning matrix type with calibration and control design.
- Analytical range context: The supplied specifications include a stated detection limit of 2 fg luciferase for interpreting low-signal samples.
- Feature emphasis: High sensitivity and wide detection range. Detection of as little of 2 fg luciferase and as few as 4 cells. Plus, the emitted light is linear over seven orders of magnitude.
Additional feature notes highlight Compatible with routine laboratory and HTS formats. Assays can be performed in tubes or microplates, on LJL Analyst, Berthold Luminometer, Top-Count, MicroBeta counters, chemiluminescent image plate readers (CLIPR/LeadSeeker). Assay reagents compatible with all liquid handling systems; Fast and convenient. Homogeneous “mix-and-measure” assay allows detection of luciferase levels within 10 minutes. The optimally combined reagent system allows a single addition step, and simultaneous cell lysis and detection. Available format information for this listing includes 500 Tests.
Biological background
This product is centered on measurement of superlight luciferase reporter gene within the matrices described for the assay. In practice, datasets from this type of format are typically interpreted by comparing relative signal, activity, or abundance across matched control and experimental groups rather than relying on a single value in isolation. Careful alignment of sample matrix, incubation window, and calibration strategy is important when comparing results across plates, operators, or study days.
More details
The SuperLight™ Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay is based on the quantitation of luciferase expression in mammalian, yeast or E. coil cells, using luciferin and ATP as substrates. The reaction results in light production which can be conveniently measured on a luminometer. This bioluminescent reporter gene assay is extremely sensitive and is especially suitable for quantifying luciferase expression in recombinant cells. This ultra-sensitive, homogeneous cell-based assay only requires adding a single reagent to the cells and measuring the light intensity after a short incubation step (2 minutes). Assays can be performed in tubes, cuvettes or multi-well plates. All kit components are compatible with culture media and with all liquid handling systems. With an extended luminescence emission kinetics (half-life 40 min), the SuperLight™ luciferase assays are especially suitable for high-throughput screening in 96-well, 384-well and 1536-well plates. In addition, the reagent provided in the kits has been formulated for maximum sensitivity, reproducibility and long shelf-life. Applications for this kit include gene regulation studies and high-throughput screening of gene modulators
Detection method
Luminescence.
Detection limit and analytical sensitivity
Reported detection limit: 2 fg luciferase.
Procedures and timing
Stated procedure or timing information: 2 min.
Research relevance and current trends
- Plate-based quantification and side-by-side group comparison remain central use cases for this assay format.
- The product notes emphasize multi-sample throughput, making it relevant for screening-oriented and larger batch comparison studies.
- The description supports intervention-focused study designs in which researchers compare baseline and perturbed conditions.
Common research applications
- Quantify reporter or luminescence output in cells by Luminescence readout.
- Compare perturbation-dependent signal changes across matched sample groups.
- Monitor reporter time-courses following stimulation, inhibition, or media changes.
Interpretation is usually strongest when signal changes are assessed alongside matrix-matched controls, replicate agreement, and the assay's stated analytical window.
Notes for experimental interpretation
- Matrix composition, background signal, and sample handling can influence apparent response; compare like-with-like whenever possible.
- Use appropriate blanks, controls, and replicate wells to distinguish biological differences from plate, reagent, or handling variability.
Can we determine ATP concentration in E. coli cells?
Yes. Ishida A (2002, Anal. Biochem 305, 236-241) described using equal volumes of 10% TCA and E. coli cell culture. Let stand 3 min at room temp. Mix 1 vol of the cell extract with 19 vol of 25 mM Hepes, 17 mM NaOH, and adjust pH to 7.8.before assaying.
How to adapt your protocol for adherent cells when working in a 24-well format?
Lyse the cells in the 24 well plate, then add 50 µL cell lysate to 50 µL SuperLight Reagent (10 µL + 10 µL would work too). Alternatively, cells could be harvested with Trypsin/EDTA, resuspend cells in the same volume (200-500 µL of medium). Do the 50 µL + 50 µL assay.
For laboratories requiring additional technical capacity, we provide scientific support services including assay execution, method guidance, product sourcing, and customization to align the assay with specific experimental objectives. If you need assistance selecting the appropriate kit configuration, adapting the workflow to your application, or identifying related research services, please click Talk to a Scientist, email support@biohippo.com, or review our Research Services; a member of our scientific team will follow up with recommendations tailored to your study.
Antibody against extracellular vaccinia virus (EV) protects mice through complement and Fc receptors
Cohen ME, et al (2011). Antibody against extracellular vaccinia virus (EV) protects mice through complement and Fc receptors. PLoS One. 6(6):e20597. Assay: Reporter gene in monkey cell line.
Shiga toxin subtypes display dramatic differences in potency
Fuller CA, et al (2011). Shiga toxin subtypes display dramatic differences in potency. Infect Immun. 79(3):1329-37. Assay: Reporter gene in monkey cell line.
Effects of low frequency electromagnetic fields on the chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
Mayer-Wagner S et al (2011). Effects of low frequency electromagnetic fields on the chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. Bioelectromagnetics. 32(4):283-90. Assay: Luciferase reporter gene in monkey vero cells.
Gaussia Luciferase Variant For High-Throughput Screening
Tannous BA et al (2011). Gaussia Luciferase Variant For High-Throughput Screening. WO2011002924. Assay: Reporter gene in mice.
Glycan encapsulated gold nanoparticles selectively inhibit shiga toxins 1 and 2
Kulkarni AA, et al (2010). Glycan encapsulated gold nanoparticles selectively inhibit shiga toxins 1 and 2. Bioconjug Chem. 21(8):1486-93. Assay: Reporter gene in monkey cell line.
Ambivalent effects of compound C (dorsomorphin) on inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated rat primary microglial cultures
Labuzek K et al (2010). Ambivalent effects of compound C (dorsomorphin) on inflammatory response in LPS-stimulated rat primary microglial cultures. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 381(1):41-57. Assay: Luciferase reporter gene in human cell line.
Metformin has adenosine-monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK)-independent effects on LPS-stimulated rat primary microglial cultures
Labuzek K et al (2010). Metformin has adenosine-monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK)-independent effects on LPS-stimulated rat primary microglial cultures. Pharmacol Rep. 62(5):827-48. Assay: Luciferase reporter gene in human cell line.
Different classes of antibiotics differentially influence shiga toxin production
McGannon CM, et al (2010). Different classes of antibiotics differentially influence shiga toxin production. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 54(9):3790-8. Assay: Reporter gene in human cell line.
Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus Lana-1 is a major activator of the serum response element and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways via interactions with the Mediator complex
Roupelieva M, et al (2010). Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus Lana-1 is a major activator of the serum response element and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways via interactions with the Mediator complex. J Gen Virol. 91(5):1138-49. Assay: Reporter gene in human cell line.
Efficient gene transfection using novel cationic polymers poly(hydroxyalkylene imines)
Zaliauskiene L, et al (2010). Efficient gene transfection using novel cationic polymers poly(hydroxyalkylene imines). Bioconjug Chem. 21(9):1602-11. Assay: Reporter gene in mice.
Secreted Luciferase For Ex Vivo Monitoring Of In Vivo Precesses
Tannous, BA. et al (2009). Secreted Luciferase For Ex Vivo Monitoring Of In Vivo Precesses. US2009235370. Assay: Reporter gene in mice.
Role of Primary human Alveolar Epithelial Cells in Host Defense against Francisella tularensis Infection
Gentry, M. et al. (2007). Role of Primary human Alveolar Epithelial Cells in Host Defense against Francisella tularensis Infection. Infection and Immunity 75(8): 3969-3978. Assay: Reporter gene in human cell line.
Microplate Orbital Mixing Improves High-Throughput Cell-Based Reporter Assay Readout
Michael, K. et al. (2007). Microplate Orbital Mixing Improves High-Throughput Cell-Based Reporter Assay Readout. J Biomol Screen 12(1):140-144. Assay: Reporter gene in mouse 3T3 cells.
Identification and Characterization of Small Molecules That Inhibit Intracellular Toxin Transport
Saenz JB,et al (2007). Identification and Characterization of Small Molecules That Inhibit Intracellular Toxin Transport. Infection and Immunity 75(9): 4552-4561. Assay: Reporter gene in monkey cell line.
A quantitative and highly sensitive luciferase-based assay for bacterial toxins that inhibit protein synthesis
Zhao, L. and Haslam, D.B. (2005). A quantitative and highly sensitive luciferase-based assay for bacterial toxins that inhibit protein synthesis. J Med Microbiol 54:1023-1030. Assay: Reporter gene in human cell line.
