Luciferase Reporter Assay

Reporter genes are widely used to study gene expression and regulation mechanisms in living cells. Not all expressed enzymes are easily detectable, so reporter genes were introduced into cellular DNA to investigate gene function by means of a measurable property, the luminescence. The most popular reporter is the firefly luciferase from the American firefly (Photinus pyralis). The high sensitivity, easy handling, short process time and a high quantum yield of the bioluminescence reaction make this method to the "method of choice" in controlling gene expression. The assay in this note is optimized for extended half life time of more than five minutes.