Human AhR Reporter Assay Kit
Product Description and Product Data
This is an all-inclusive cell-based luciferase reporter assay kit targeting the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor. INDIGO’s AhR reporter assay utilizes proprietary mammalian cells that have been engineered to provide constitutive expression of the AhR. In addition to AhR Reporter Cells, this kit provides two optimized media for use during cell culture and in diluting the user’s test samples, a reference agonist, Luciferase Detection Reagent, and a cell culture-ready assay plate. The principal application of this assay is in the screening of test samples to quantify any functional activity, either agonist or antagonist, that they may exert against human AhR. This kit provides researchers with clear, reproducible results, exceptional cell viability post-thaw, and consistent results lot to lot. Kits must be stored at -80C. Do not store in liquid nitrogen. Note: reporter cells cannot be refrozen or maintained in extended culture.
Features
Clear, Reproducible Results
- All-Inclusive Assay Systems
- Exceptional Cell Viability Post-Thaw
- Consistent Results Lot to Lot
Product Specifications
Target Type | Nuclear Hormone Receptor | ||
Species | Human | ||
Receptor Form | Native | ||
Assay Mode | Agonist, Antagonist | ||
Kit Components |
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Shelf Life | 6 months | ||
Orthologs Available | Yes | ||
Shipping Requirements | Dry Ice | ||
Storage temperature | -80C |
Data
Target Background
Although technically not a member of the Nuclear Receptor (NR) superfamily, the AhR shares many of the same attributes. The AhR is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix, Per-Arnt-Sim (bHLH-PAS) family of transcription factors and is responsible for the toxicologic effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD, often referred to as simply “dioxin”) and several other related polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The basic mechanism of action of dioxin and related compounds has been extensively studied, in particular as it relates to regulation of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1).
AhR is present in most cell types and in the unactivated state is cytosolic and exists in a complex with chaperone proteins such as heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90). Binding of TCDD and related molecules to AhR leads to nuclear translocation and heterodimerization with its partner protein ARNT, another bHLH-PAS family member. The AhR-ARNT heterodimer binds to specific cognate DNA sequence elements known as dioxin/xenobiotic response elements (DRE/XRE) present in the regulatory region of specific genes such as CYP1A1. Binding of the AhR:ARNT heterodimer to these elements, and subsequent recruitment of transcription coactivator complexes, leads to increased transcription of the specific gene, known as “target genes.” There is a battery of genes affected in this manner and targets include certain xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, such as CYP1A1,CYP1A2, CYP2B1, and UGT1A6. In addition, genes affected directly and indirectly by the TCDD/AhR-complex code for both inhibitory and stimulatory growth factors and their gene products affect cellular growth and differentiation leading to tumor promotion and carcinogenicity as well as other forms of toxicity.
INDIGO’s Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) Assay is a cell-based genetic reporter assay that utilizes the luciferase reporter gene Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Agonist and Antagonist Assays functionally linked to an AhR-responsive promoter. Thus, quantifying changes in luciferase expression in the treated reporter cells provides a sensitive surrogate measure of the changes in AhR activity.
The principle application of this reporter assay system is in the screening of test samples to quantify any functional activity, either agonist or antagonist, that they may exert against human AhR.
Citations
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