MRF Responsive Luciferase Reporter HEK293 Cell Line is derived from human embryonic Kidney, and stably express firefly luciferase reporter gene under the control of MRF response element. This cell line is an ideal cellular model for monitoring the activation of Metal response Pathway triggered by stimuli treatment, enforced gene expression and gene knockdown.
 
Metal response element-binding transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) regulates the expression of genes in response to metal ions and oxidative stress. MTF-1 binds to metal response elements in the metallothionein promoter and activates transcription in response to metals and oxidative stress. Metal-responsive control of the expression of genes involved in metal metabolism and metal homeostasis allows cells to tightly regulate the free or bioavailable concentration of beneficial metal ions, such as zinc, copper, and iron, within an acceptable range. We have established an MRF luciferase reporter stable cell line that has been stably transfected with pTA-MRF-luciferase reporter vector, which contains 4 repeats of MRF binding elements, a minimal promoter upstream of the firefly luciferase coding region. Luciferase activity is specifically associated with the activity of MRF. Therefore, the cell line can be used as a reporter system for monitoring the activation of MRF triggered by metal ion treatment.
 
Principle behind TF luciferase reporter. TF luciferase reporter stable cell line utilizes artificial promoter constructs to drive luciferase expression. The promoter region can consists of multiple repeats of a cis-element TF binding site, a DNA fragment from the promoter region of a known TF downstream gene, or a DNA fragment containing putative/known TF binding sites. There are several ways that a TF can be activated, such as through extracellular stimuli or through intracellular signaling pathways. Once activated, the TF translocates to the nucleus and often interacts with relevant co-factors to drive gene expression. Once luciferase is expressed, it can generate light in an enzymatic assay and the amount of light measured is positively correlated with the level of TF activation.