What can you do with a small, super bright luciferase? Amazing things. We’ve highlighted many of the papers and new applications that NanoLuc® luciferase has enabled on this blog. While NanoLuc® luciferase was first introduced as a reporter enzyme to assess promoter activity, its capabilities have expanded far beyond a genetic reporter, creating bioluminescent tools used to study endogeneous protein dynamics, target engagement, protein degradation, immunodetection and more. So where did the NanoLuc luciferase come from and how does one enzyme power so many research capabilities? Read further for a primer on the various technologies and applications developed from this enzyme over the last 10 years.
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Tips for Multiplex Cell-Based Assay Success
Analyzing more than one cellular biomarker (multiplexing) in a single sample is advantageous for a number of reasons. Multiplexing allows researchers to save money and time, while conserving critical samples. In addition, understanding the relationship between cell biomarkers can provide a more complete picture of cell health, leading to improved predictive models for drug discovery. Understanding biomarker relationships can also minimize ambiguity in the data set and validate if a treatment effect is real or an artifact of the system. To avoid repeat experiments and extract the most physiologically relevant data from multiplex cell-based assays, we discuss considerations around assay choices, cell type, cell culture, treatment parameters, detection and appropriate experimental controls.
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