Haynes:Luciferase
From OpenWetWare
Cell Lysate Luciferase Assay
Principal: Cells expressing the luciferase reporter gene are lysed to release the luciferase enzyme into solution. D-luciferin substrate is added to the solution. Free luciferase enzyme then catalyzes a reaction that generates light (bio/chemiluminescence). In this application, the light signal serves as a proxy for the amount of luciferase gene expression. Note that data on individual cells is lost using this procedure, but it is useful for measuring relative average levels of reporter gene activity in different cell samples.
Kits we use in the lab include:
- Steady-Luc Firefly HTS Assay Kit
Below is a general protocol to help you plan/ prepare for a luciferase assay
