CellSensor™ NFAT-bla CHO-K1 Cell Line

The G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily is comprised of an estimated 600-1,000 members and is the largest known class of molecular targets with proven therapeutic value. GPCRs are instrumental in the transmission of a wide range of chemical messages from the extracellular environment to the interior of the cell. GPCRs are involved in a wide range of disorders, including allergies, cardiovascular dysfunction, depression, obesity, cancer, pain, diabetes, and various central nervous system disorders. GPCR signaling is mediated by trimeric G-proteins containing α, β, and γ subunits and can be categorized into signaling classes based upon subunit composition. G alpha, G alpha s, and G alpha i/o proteins mediate intracellular signaling through activation of signaling pathways leading to distinct physiological endpoints. Activation of G alpha s and G alpha i/o coupled receptors leads to stimulation or inhibition of adenylate cyclase, respectively; activation of G alpha q coupled receptors results in stimulation of phospholipase C. GPCR signaling through these distinct pathways can be monitored by activation of specific transcriptional response elements placed upstream of a reporter gene. Invitrogen has developed GeneBLAzer™ Master Cell Lines employing the beta-lactamase reporter system, which can be used to screen for both agonists and antagonists of GPCRs coupling to each of the above signaling pathways. These cell-based assays make use of a membrane permeant fluorescent substrate (CCF4-AM or CCF2-AM), enabling a ratiometric readout that reduces errors due to sample variability, leads to excellent Z'-factor values, and allows for assay miniaturization. GeneBLAzer™ Master Cell Lines with either NFAT or CRE response elements are available in Jurkat, CHO-K1, or FreeStyle™ 293F cell backgrounds (six cell lines in total) for the development of assays in suspension or adherent cell format. Stable cell lines employing an NFAT response element upstream of the beta-lactamase gene are designed for the study of Gq coupled receptors. Stable cell lines employing the cAMP response element (CRE) upstream of the beta-lactamase gene are designed for the study of G_s coupled receptors. FreeStyle™ 293F cells are HEK 293 cells that have been adapted for growth in suspension in serum-free media. Alternatively, these cells may be grown in the presence of serum for use in the adherent format. Academic and non-profit customers, please inquire for special pricing.