Human Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Receptor Reporter Assay System

This assay utilizes proprietary human cells that have been engineered to provide constitutive expression of the Human Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Receptor (M-CSFR).

Binding of M-CSF to its receptor M-CSFR activates the tyrosine kinase domains of the receptor and initiates intracellular signaling cascades that include RAS-MAPK pathways. For example, activation of the RAS-MAPK pathway leads to activation of ERK1/2 and subsequent phosphorylation and activation of the transcription factor Elk-1³. M-CSFR signal transduction via the RAS-MAPK-ERK1/2 cascade is exploited by the reporter cells provided in this kit.

INDIGO's M-CSFR Reporter Cells express a hybrid Elk-1 transcription factor in which the native Elk-1 DNA-binding domain (DBD) has been replaced with the yeast Gal4 DBD sequence. The luciferase reporter gene is functionally linked to an upstream Gal4 Upstream Activation Sequence (UAS). When activated, Elk-1 binds to the UAS elements to initiate the formation of a complete transcription complex that drives Luciferase gene expression. Quantifying changes in luciferase activity in the treated reporter cells relative to the untreated cells provides a sensitive, dose-dependent surrogate measure of drug-induced changes in M-CSFR activity. The principal application of this assay is in the screening of test materials to quantify any functional interactions, either activating or inhibitory, that they may exert against M-CSFR or the coupled RAS-MAPK pathway. INDIGO’s Reporter Cells are transiently transfected and prepared as frozen stocks using a proprietary CryoMite^™ process. This cryo-preservation method allows for the immediate dispensing of healthy, division-competent reporter cells into assay plates. There is no need for intermediate treatment steps such as spin-and-rinse of cells, viability determinations or cell titer adjustments prior to assay setup.

This assay kit provides the convenience of an all-inclusive cell-based reporter assay system for M-CSFR signaling. In addition to Reporter Cells, included are an optimized culture medium for use in reviving the cryopreserved cells, a culture medium for use in preparing test sample treatments, the physiological activator M-CSF as a positive control, Luciferase Detection Reagents, and a cell culture-ready assay plate. [INDIGO Catalog Nos. IB30201 | IB30202]

WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.