TF Luciferase Reporter Vectors
Quantify cellular responses with high sensitivity using Signosis Transcription Factor Reporter Vectors.
Quantitative Analysis of Transcriptional Activation
Signosis Transcription Factor (TF) Luciferase Reporter Vectors are engineered to provide a quantitative, pathway-specific readout of TF-driven transactivation. Unlike general transcription assays, these plasmids are designed for high-sensitivity detection of specific signaling events in mammalian cells.
How it Works
Each reporter plasmid features a specialized architecture to ensure a high signal-to-noise ratio:
-
Multiple TF Consensus Binding Sites: Multiple copies of a defined DNA binding sequence are placed upstream of the promoter to maximize activation response.
-
Minimal TATA Promoter: Limits background "leakiness," ensuring luciferase expression is driven strictly by the targeted transcription factor.
-
Luciferase Reporter Gene: Provides a bioluminescent signal directly proportional to transcriptional activity and signal transduction intensity.
Activated transcription factors bind to cis-regulatory elements upstream of the luciferase reporter gene, triggering luciferase expression detectable in reporter assays.
Choose Your Reporter System
1. Transient Transfection (No Selection Marker)
Streamlined for short-term studies (24–72 hours) without the overhead of antibiotic resistance genes.
Basic Firefly or Renilla Luciferase Vectors: Simple, reliable chemiluminescent readout.
-
Firefly–Renilla Dual Vectors: Features TF-driven Firefly and constitutive CMV-driven Renilla to normalize for transfection efficiency.
2. Stable Cell Line Generation (with Selectable Markers)
Engineered for long-term monitoring and reproducible high-throughput screening.
-
HygroSelect & NeoSelect: Available with Hygromycin or Neomycin resistance.
-
Visual Selection: Features integrated GFP for easy identification of successful colonies.
-
Dual-Pathway Monitoring: Co-transfect different markers to monitor two pathways simultaneously.
Key Benefits
-
High Sensitivity: Engineered with ≥ 4 copies of enhancer elements for maximum signal induction.
-
Versatile Application: Ideal for pathway screening, drug discovery, and high-throughput functional genomics.
-
Low Background: Minimal TATA promoter ensures high induction-to-basal ratios.
-
Massive Selection: Over 100 validated TF targets available off-the-shelf.
-
Application-Specific: Optimized transient vectors (no selection marker) or stable cell line vectors (Hygro/Neo/GFP).
-
Total Solution: Fully compatible with Signosis high-sensitivity substrates and custom development services.
-
Proven Reliability: Trusted by leading researchers at Harvard, NIH, Bristol Myers Squibb, and hundreds of other academic and pharmaceutical institutions worldwide.
Principle
Signosis reporter vectors quantify TF activity through a straightforward four-step process:
-
Enhancer Binding: Activated TFs bind to specific cis-acting enhancer elements upstream of a minimal TATA promoter.
-
Gene Expression: Binding triggers the transcription of the Firefly or Renilla luciferase reporter gene.
-
Signal Generation: Luciferase protein reacts with added substrate to produce a chemiluminescent signal.
-
Quantification: The intensity of light directly corresponds to the level of transcription factor activation.
Product Categories
Associated Reagents & Substrates
To ensure the highest signal-to-noise ratio, use our ready-to-use substrates specifically formulated for these vector systems:
Custom Vector Services
With over 100 vectors in stock, we cover most major pathways. If you require a specific transcription factor, unique enhancer sequence, or custom selection marker, Signosis offers:
-
Custom Vector Construction
-
Custom Stable Cell Line Development
Contact us for a quote or technical recommendation:
Phone: 408-747-0771 Email: info@signosisinc.com
Experimental Design & FAQ Resource
-
What is the difference between your transient and stable luciferase reporter systems?
Our transient vectors are designed for immediate, short-term expression studies (typically 24–72 hours post-transfection). Our stable vectors include a selectable marker (like Puromycin or G418), allowing you to integrate the reporter into the host genome to create a permanent, homogenous cell line for long-term or high-throughput screening.
-
Can I use these vectors with any luciferase substrate?
These vectors utilize the Firefly luciferase gene. For optimal signal-to-noise ratios and sensitivity, we recommend using our Firefly Luciferase Assay System.
-
What promoter is used in the Signosis reporter constructs?
Most of our TF reporter vectors utilize a minimal TATA box downstream of the specific Transcription Factor Binding Sites (TFBS). This ensures that luciferase expression is strictly dependent on the binding of the target transcription factor, minimizing background noise.
-
Are these vectors compatible with both lipofection and electroporation?
Yes. Our vectors are provided as high-quality circular DNA suitable for all standard transfection methods, including lipofection, calcium phosphate precipitation, and electroporation. The optimal method will depend on your specific cell type.
-
Do you provide the vector maps and sequences upon purchase?
Yes. Detailed vector maps, including the sequence of the multiple response elements and the promoter region, are available upon request after purchase.
-
How do I normalize for transfection efficiency?
We recommend co-transfecting with a constitutively active reporter (such as a Renilla luciferase or GFP vector) to normalize for variations in transfection efficiency across different wells or experiments.
-
What vector should I use for my baseline control?
For most high-throughput assays or relative-induction experiments, untreated wells using the same TF reporter vector serve as a sufficient baseline. If your research requires the precise measurement of basal promoter activity, we recommend including a pTA-control vector in your experimental design.