Promega

About: Promega is a company organization based out in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Luciferase & Nucleic acid. The organization has 623 authors who have published 875 publications receiving 33780 citations.

HaloTag: A Novel Protein Labeling Technology for Cell Imaging and Protein Analysis

Abstract: We have designed a modular protein tagging system that allows different functionalities to be linked onto a single genetic fusion, either in solution, in living cells, or in chemically fixed cells. The protein tag (HaloTag) is a modified haloalkane dehalogenase designed to covalently bind to synthetic ligands (HaloTag ligands). The synthetic ligands comprise a chloroalkane linker attached to a variety of useful molecules, such as fluorescent dyes, affinity handles, or solid surfaces. Covalent bond formation between the protein tag and the chloroalkane linker is highly specific, occurs rapidly under physiological conditions, and is essentially irreversible. We demonstrate the utility of this system for cellular imaging and protein immobilization by analyzing multiple molecular processes associated with NF-κB-mediated cellular physiology, including imaging of subcellular protein translocation and capture of protein−protein and protein−DNA complexes.

Engineered luciferase reporter from a deep sea shrimp utilizing a novel imidazopyrazinone substrate.

Abstract: Bioluminescence methodologies have been extraordinarily useful due to their high sensitivity, broad dynamic range, and operational simplicity. These capabilities have been realized largely through incremental adaptations of native enzymes and substrates, originating from luminous organisms of diverse evolutionary lineages. We engineered both an enzyme and substrate in combination to create a novel bioluminescence system capable of more efficient light emission with superior biochemical and physical characteristics. Using a small luciferase subunit (19 kDa) from the deep sea shrimp Oplophorus gracilirostris, we have improved luminescence expression in mammalian cells ∼2.5 million-fold by merging optimization of protein structure with development of a novel imidazopyrazinone substrate (furimazine). The new luciferase, NanoLuc, produces glow-type luminescence (signal half-life >2 h) with a specific activity ∼150-fold greater than that of either firefly (Photinus pyralis) or Renilla luciferases similarly conf...

NanoLuc Complementation Reporter Optimized for Accurate Measurement of Protein Interactions in Cells

Abstract: Protein-fragment complementation assays (PCAs) are widely used for investigating protein interactions. However, the fragments used are structurally compromised and have not been optimized nor thoroughly characterized for accurately assessing these interactions. We took advantage of the small size and bright luminescence of NanoLuc to engineer a new complementation reporter (NanoBiT). By design, the NanoBiT subunits (i.e., 1.3 kDa peptide, 18 kDa polypeptide) weakly associate so that their assembly into a luminescent complex is dictated by the interaction characteristics of the target proteins onto which they are appended. To ascertain their general suitability for measuring interaction affinities and kinetics, we determined that their intrinsic affinity (KD = 190 μM) and association constants (kon = 500 M–1 s–1, koff = 0.2 s–1) are outside of the ranges typical for protein interactions. The accuracy of NanoBiT was verified under defined biochemical conditions using the previously characterized interaction...

Cell Viability Assays

Abstract: This chapter is an introductory overview of the most commonly used assay methods to estimate the number of viable cells in multi-well plates. This chapter describes assays where data are recorded using a plate-reader; it does not cover assay methods designed for flow cytometry or high content imaging. The assay methods covered include the use of different classes of colorimetric tetrazolium reagents, resazurin reduction and protease substrates generating a fluorescent signal, the luminogenic ATP assay, and a novel real-time assay to monitor live cells for days in culture. The assays described are based on measurement of a marker activity associated with viable cell number. These assays are used for measuring the results of cell proliferation, testing for cytotoxic effects of compounds, and for multiplexing as an internal control to determine viable cell number during other cell-based assays.

Microdeletions in the Y chromosome of infertile men

Abstract: Background Some infertile men with azoospermia or severe oligospermia have small deletions in regions of the Y chromosome. However, the frequency of such microdeletions among men with infertility in general is unknown. We sought to determine the prevalence of Y-chromosome microdeletions among infertile men and to correlate the clinical presentation of the men with specific deletions. Methods We studied 200 consecutive infertile men. Each man was evaluated comprehensively for known causes of infertility, and Y-chromosome microdeletions were studied with use of the polymerase chain reaction to amplify specific regions of the chromosome. The Y chromosomes of 200 normal men were also analyzed. Results Fourteen infertile men (7 percent) and four normal men (2 percent) had microdeletions of the Y chromosome. Nine of the infertile men had azoospermia or severe oligospermia (sperm concentration, <5 million per milliliter), four had oligospermia (sperm concentration, 5 million to <20 million per milliliter), and one had normospermia (sperm concentration, ≥20 million per milliliter). The size and location of the deletions varied and did not correlate with the severity of spermatogenic failure. The fathers of six infertile men with microdeletions were studied; two had the same deletions as their sons, and four had no deletions. Conclusions A small proportion of men with infertility have Y-chromosome microdeletions, but the size and position of the deletions correlate poorly with the severity of spermatogenic failure, and a deletion does not preclude the presence of viable sperm and possible conception.