SRF-related Assays (Serum response)

transfection-reporter tools for analysis of serum responses elements

The LightSwitch™ Validated Serum Response Factor (SRF) Pathway Collection is a set of sequence-verified, transfection-ready, promoter reporter constructs that can be used to accurately quantify transcriptional activation in response to induction of the serum response factor pathway. These constructs were selected from the 18,000-member LightSwitch Promoter Reporter GoClone® Collection based on sequence motif analysis, published information and in-house analysis of each promoter's activity* using our LightSwitch Luciferase Assay. The SRF Biomarker Set contains 4 of the highest responding promoters under our chosen test conditions, as well as the promoters of 2 housekeeping genes (Figure 1).

Graph showing the induction ratios of the promoter reporter constructs of the SRF Biomarker Set after transfection into serum-starved HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells and induction of the serum response factor pathway by growing the cells in media containing 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS).

Figure 1: Induction ratios for each member of the SRF Biomarker Set.
Serum-starved HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells were transfected with the promoter reporter constructs shown and were either left in serum starvation media or grown in media containing 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 8 hours. Each treatment for each reporter construct was then assayed using the LightSwitch Luciferase Assay Kit. The graph shows the ratio of treated/untreated signal on a log scale; error bars represent one standard deviation. “NONE” = No gene annotation.

*Experimental results and the absolute values of luciferase units may vary depending on cell line, treatment and protocols. All data shown is solely for use as a guide for selecting candidate promoters and panels for your particular experimental design.

 
Name Format Cat No. Price  
LightSwitch™ SRF Biomarker Set 1 set 32088 ¥388,800 Buy

Serum Response Factor (SRF) Pathway

Serum response factor (c-Fos serum response element-binding transcription factor, or SRF) is a transcription factor that regulates the activity of various genes involved in cell cycle, apoptosis, embryogenesis, cell growth, neuronal transmission, and cell differentiation. Improper regulation of SRF pathways has been implicated in various disorders including ulcers, psoriasis, and cardiomyopathy. Understanding the mechanisms of how SRF is coordinated with other physiological pathways can provide further insight into the roles of SRF in normal development and disease.

Applications

The collection of validated LightSwitch SRF-related promoter reporters enables you to:

  • Understand the mechanisms by which SRF regulated genes are induced or repressed
  • Quantify the functional consequences of transcription factor binding – while many other technologies give a qualitative view of transcription factor level, our promoter reporter assays quantify the effects of transcription factor binding
  • Confirm data from ChIP, ChIP-chip or ChIP-Seq experiments
  • Measure the effect of sequence variants and mutagenesis on promoter function
  • Screen for promoter activation or develop activity profiles across the SRF signaling pathway for many compounds or conditions in parallel

LightSwitch Luciferase Assay System

The LightSwitch Luciferase Assay System is a complete solution for studying transcriptional & post-transcriptional gene regulation in living mammalian cells. It enables you to directly measure the functional activity of promoters and 3´UTRs through use of an engineered luciferase gene (RenSP) and optimized assay & transfection reagents that ensure superior, reproducible results. In addition to Validated Pathway Collections, the LightSwitch System includes collections of over 30,000 cloned human promoter reporter constructs and human 3´UTR reporter constructs, miRNA mimics and inhibitors, as well as collections of synthetic long-range response element constructs and synthetic 3´UTRs target validation constructs that can provide more sensitivity than endogenous sequences.

LightSwitch Promoter Reporter Assays.
To study a promoter's regulation, it is cloned into a LightSwitch Reporter vector upstream of the RenSP luciferase gene and then transfected into mammalian cells. The cells are stimulated, if required, to induce transcription of RenSP luciferase from the cloned promoter. Promoter activity is then quantified using a LightSwitch Luciferase Assay Kit and a luminometer to measure the amount of luminescence produced.

Advantages of the LightSwitch Luciferase Assay System

  • Quantitative – Novel RenSP luciferase technology allows you to measure promoter activity with industry-leading sensitivity and dynamic range.
  • Simple, fast, complete solution – With pre-cloned LightSwitch Reporter vectors and optimized transfection & assay reagents, you can study regulation of your gene today. No cloning, DNA preparation or optimization is needed, and most studies do not require any internal transfection controls.
  • Comprehensive and verified – The genome-wide LightSwitch Reporter Collections are sequence-verified, transfection-ready promoter and 3´UTR reporter vectors.
  • Functionally insightful – Learn about the actual effects of transcription factor binding to verify computational predictions and supplement microarray or sequencing data.
  • Cost-effective – Efficiently screen for activation and/or repression using a multitude of conditions.

The SRF Biomarker Set contains 5 µg aliquots each of 4 promoter reporter constructs and 2 housekeeping promoter constructs (NO_ANNOTATION & REPIN1) for use as controls. Click on the links below for clone information.