MoBiTec Introduces Montana Molecular's Cell Stress BacMam Kits

GÖTTINGEN, Germany - Jan. 24, 2018 - PRLog -- Ratiometric Fluorescent Detection of Cellular Stress & Toxicity

The Cell Stress Sensor is a genetically-encoded fluorescent biosensor that produces very bright fluorescence when the cell endures endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress or undergoes the unfolded protein response (UPR). The biosensor is a two-color biosensor, allowing ratiometric detection of cellular stress and toxicity. The fluorescent ratio between the constitutively expressed, nuclear localized, red fluorescent protein and the stress induced, nuclear localized, green fluorescent protein is calculated to determine the level of cellular stress. A broad host of both chemical compounds and genetic mutations can induce ER stress. The UPR is one of the major stress pathways within the cell, which allows the stress sensor to detect a wide range of stress inducing stimuli, some whose primary target is not the ER.

Features:


• Detect a wide range of cell stress, including ER and UPR
• Plate reader or microscope compatible
• Bright green fluorescence response
• Kit includes HDAC inhibitor and Thapsigargin positive control
• Different kit sizes available

Molecular Mechanism

This sensor is based on the XBP1 mRNA which is spliced by the IRE1 protein during ER stress. Briefly, the model for this response involves ER stress activating the RNase activity of the IRE1 protein, which in turn splices the immature, cytosolic mRNA for XBP1, generating an active transcription factor that alters gene expression. This unique cytosolic splicing of XBP1 has been used to generate reporter systems in the past, many of which were PCR-based splicing assays or reporters of XBP1 transcriptional activity.

The cell stress sensor is unique in that the assay does not rely on changes in gene expression or transcription activation. Rather, the splicing of the XBP1 intron results in translation of the bright fluorescent protein, mNeon Green. Increased translation of mNeon Green results in increased fluorescence output, indicating theoccurrence of cellular stress.

MoBiTec GmbH, Germany, is a certified agent for Montana Molecular in Europe.

About Montana Molecular

Montana Molecular develops genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors and probes for cell-based assays and live cell imaging. Montana Molecular products are used for drug discovery and to observe and measure cell signaling processes.

Montana Molecular's scientific team is focused on creating breakthrough innovations that empower both basic research scientists and drug discovery teams. The company is committed to building a sustainable biotech industry in the state of Montana, providing good jobs in a safe and healthy environment.

About MoBiTec GmbH

MoBiTec GmbH (Goettingen, Germany) is a privately held company (founded in 1987) that offers research tools for molecular and cell biology. Products include DNA vectors for cloning and expression, cell transfection reagents and cell culture tools, immobilized and soluble enzymes, products for genomics and proteomics research, numerous antibodies and recombinant proteins, superior fluorescence reagents and kits, affinity chromatography products, as well as general laboratory equipment.

In parallel to its own product lines, MoBiTec distributes products from international companies in Germany. MoBiTec products are distributed worldwide, in Germany from their home office, in other countries by distributors.

http://www.mobitec.com