What is GeneBLAzer technology?

GeneBLAzer is a fluorescence-based beta-lactamase reporter technology used for detecting specific biological interactions, such as protein-protein interactions or enzyme activity.

What readout does GeneBLAzer use?

GeneBLAzer uses a fluorescence-based readout from the beta-lactamase substrate (CCF2/AM). Cleavage shifts the emission spectrum, allowing a ratiometric measurement.

Why are microplate readers important for GeneBLAzer assays?

Microplate readers provide rapid, automated, and reproducible measurements that are ideally suited for GeneBLAzer assays used in drug discovery and other applications.

How does the use of GeneBLAzer enhance research outcomes in drug discovery and molecular biology?

GeneBLAzer enhances research by enabling precise detection of molecular interactions and enzymatic activities. Its high sensitivity and specificity facilitate accurate screening of compounds, accelerating drug discovery processes and advancing understanding in molecular biology.

How is the assay read on the microplate reader?

By measuring fluorescence in two channels (donor/acceptor ratios) or two emission wavelengths to determine the beta-lactamase–dependent change.

What advantages does fluorescence detection offer in GeneBLAzer assays?

Fluorescence detection provides high sensitivity, low background noise, and the ability to perform multiplexing. These advantages enable precise measurement of biological interactions even at low analyte concentrations.

Is GeneBLAzer a ratiometric assay?

Yes. It uses a substrate that provides a ratio of two emission signals, improving robustness against well-to-well variations.

Can GeneBLAzer be measured kinetically?

Yes. Kinetic or endpoint reads are both supported, allowing you to monitor signal development over time.

Can GeneBLAzer be used with other reporter systems?

GeneBLAzer is designed for beta-lactamase reporting. You can combine assays cautiously if spectral/temporal separation is maintained, but the standard readout remains beta-lactamase–specific.

GeneBLAzer technology overview

April 15, 2017

A FRET-based reporter technology for cell-based target validation, pathway analysis and compound screening in drug discovery.

Dr Martin Mangold

Application Specialist, BMG LABTECH HQs

Dr Martin Mangold

BMG LABTECH HQs

Application Scientist

BMG LABTECH
Resources
Blog
Author Details

About Dr Martin Mangold

Dr. Martin Mangold works as an Applications Specialist at BMG LABTECH headquarters in Ortenberg, Germany. He studied biology with a focus on biochemistry and cell biology at the University of Bonn before specializing in pharmaceutical sciences and drug interactions in his doctoral studies. During his time in the pharmaceutical department, Dr. Mangold gained expertise in protein sciences, binding and interaction studies, and enzyme kinetics as part of an interdisciplinary team of chemists, pharmacists and biologists. Since 2021, Dr. Mangold has been part of the BMG LABTECH team where he authors application notes, performs training courses and supports scientific customers.

Areas of Expertise

Protein science and interaction studies
Protein expression and purification
Cell biology and cell-based assays
Compound screening
Enzyme kinetics
Biochemistry

Academic Degrees

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Friedrich-Wilhelm-Universität Bonn

MSc Degree in Drug Research Friedrich-Wilhelm-Universität Bonn

BSc Degree in Biology Friedrich-Wilhelm-Universität Bonn

Thermo Fisher´s GeneBLAzer^® beta-lactamase reporter technology provides you with a reliable, integrated set of tools for accelerating cell-based target validation, pathway analysis, and compound screening in drug discovery. This proven technology combines molecular and cell biology and a Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based, ratiometric detection method that reduces experimental noise which can lead to false hits. The GeneBLAzer^® Technology consists of readily accessible tools and custom assays for studying numerous target classes and cellular processes, including: surface and intracellular reporters (such as nuclear and cytokine receptors, orphan and known G-protein coupled receptors), a wide range of signal transduction pathways, ion channels, other transporters, and transcriptional regulators (including kinases and intracellular processes).

GeneBLAzer^® Technology uses a mammalian-optimized bla gene combined with a FRET-enabled substrate to provide reliable and sensitive detection in cells. Cells are loaded with an engineered fluorescent substrate containing two fluoroprobes, coumarin and fluorescein. In the absence of bla expression, the substrate molecule remains intact. In this state, excitation of the coumarin results in fluorescence resonance energy transfer to the fluorescein moiety and emission of green light. However, in the presence of bla expression, the substrate is cleaved, separating the fluorophores, and disrupting energy transfer. Excitation of the coumarin in the presence of enzyme bla activity results in a blue fluorescence signal. The resulting blue: green ratio provides a normalized reporter response.

For more information about GeneBLAzer^® Technology and related cellular assays for different drug target classes available from Life Technologies, please see their website:

GeneBLAzer^®:www.invitrogen.com/geneblazer
GPCRs: www.invitrogen.com/gpcr
Signal Transduction: www.invitrogen.com/cellsensor
Nuclear Receptors: www.invitrogen.com/nuclearreceptor

Frequently asked questions

What is GeneBLAzer technology?

GeneBLAzer is a fluorescence-based beta-lactamase reporter technology used for detecting specific biological interactions, such as protein-protein interactions or enzyme activity.
What readout does GeneBLAzer use?

GeneBLAzer uses a fluorescence-based readout from the beta-lactamase substrate (CCF2/AM). Cleavage shifts the emission spectrum, allowing a ratiometric measurement.
Why are microplate readers important for GeneBLAzer assays?

Microplate readers provide rapid, automated, and reproducible measurements that are ideally suited for GeneBLAzer assays used in drug discovery and other applications.
How does the use of GeneBLAzer enhance research outcomes in drug discovery and molecular biology?

GeneBLAzer enhances research by enabling precise detection of molecular interactions and enzymatic activities. Its high sensitivity and specificity facilitate accurate screening of compounds, accelerating drug discovery processes and advancing understanding in molecular biology.
How is the assay read on the microplate reader?

By measuring fluorescence in two channels (donor/acceptor ratios) or two emission wavelengths to determine the beta-lactamase–dependent change.
What advantages does fluorescence detection offer in GeneBLAzer assays?

Fluorescence detection provides high sensitivity, low background noise, and the ability to perform multiplexing. These advantages enable precise measurement of biological interactions even at low analyte concentrations.
Is GeneBLAzer a ratiometric assay?

Yes. It uses a substrate that provides a ratio of two emission signals, improving robustness against well-to-well variations.
Can GeneBLAzer be measured kinetically?

Yes. Kinetic or endpoint reads are both supported, allowing you to monitor signal development over time.
Can GeneBLAzer be used with other reporter systems?

GeneBLAzer is designed for beta-lactamase reporting. You can combine assays cautiously if spectral/temporal separation is maintained, but the standard readout remains beta-lactamase–specific.