BIOCHEMISTRY

Promega Lunch and Learn
Luminescence imaging in mammalian cells using NanoLuc

Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) is an established means for observing molecular processes within living model organisms. We address fluorescence imaging limitations through development of a new luciferase, NanoLuc, which produces sustained luminescence that is 100-fold brighter than either firefly or Renilla luciferases. Visualizing the dynamics of protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions can be achieved at the subcellular level by using resonance energy transfer (NanoBRET) or protein complementation (NanoBiT). While these methodologies generally rely on genetically-encoded reporter genes, we are also investigating NanoLuc configured as a biosensor protein to be applied directly to cultured cells. With visualizing luminescence produced from individual cells, we can augment conventional assay formats by validating underlying assumptions of cellular morphology and population distribution. For lunch purposes, please RSVP to opticalcore@biochem.wisc.edu if you are interested in attending