SelectScience
Join Free
Accelerating Science
NewsLife Sciences

Promega NanoLuc Enables a First in Measuring Drug-Target Residence in Live Cells

Promega Corp.

Promega NanoLuc Enables a First in Measuring Drug-Target Residence in Live Cells

19 Jan 2016
Alex Waite
Editorial Assistant

Product news

A recently published paper using Promega NanoLuc(r) technology describes the first method to directly assess the dynamic process of target engagement in live cancer cells.

Promega Scientists have developed a NanoLuc-based method for use in drug discovery that measures target residence as a key aspect of target engagement in live cells. The technology uses bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), and allows measurement of drug binding to protein targets in real time and within live cells.

Directly Measuring Target Engagement

Measuring target protein-drug occupancy in cells and correlating this target engagement with desired pharmacologic effects is important in drug discovery. NanoBRET(tm) technology provides a simple method to directly assess target engagement. "The NanoBRET system allowed me to measure engagement of our chemical inhibitors directly to our target in living cells and I am excited to apply the technique to other targets," said Graeme Walker, Team Leader, Cellular Pharmacology Drug Discovery Unit at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute.

Measuring Target Residence in Live Cells

An even greater benefit of NanoBRET technology is the ability to measure target residence time, which is the duration of drug-protein interaction. It allows researchers to optimize drugs for enhanced action despite clearance from the system. Walker added, "[The NanoBRET technology] provided a simple means to measure compound residence time at the target while keeping the cells intact. This capability allowed our project team to elucidate a novel mechanism of action for our chemical probes."

How NanoBRET Target Engagement Works

To detect drug-target interactions, NanoBRET target engagement uses cell-permeable fluorescent tracers designed to interact with NanoLuc-tagged target proteins. The result of interaction is energy transfer from the NanoLuc protein to the tracer, generating a measurable signal. If a small molecule drug candidate interacts with the target protein, the tracer and drug compete for binding and BRET signal diminishes. Residence time measurement relies on pre-equilibration of compound with cells, removal of excess compound, and addition of tracer. Real-time signal monitoring shows compounds with slow target dissociation impede tracer binding and slow BRET signal production.

For more information on the NanoBRET Target Engagement Technology, visit Promega here.

Links

Promega Corp.Company website

Tags

Sample PreparationSample preparation can improve the quality and speed of separation techniques. Products to assist sample preparation include filtration equipment, evaporators, membranes and sieves.Cell Adhesion AssaysCell adhesion assays are used to quantitate attachment and analyze the molecular mechanisms for extracellular matrix adhesion, cell migration and sensitivity to inhibitors. Find the best cell adhesion assay equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell / Tissue CultureCell culture or tissue culture is used to study the biology of cells or tissues and to isolate cellular products in an environment which can be manipulated and well defined. Accurately control your culture environment with bioreactors or culture incubators, bind your cells to a surface or together with an extracellular matrix. Distinguish cell types with differential media or proliferate cells with certain characteristics using selective media. Enrich your media with supplements such as growth factors, sera and vitamins. Find the best cell and tissue culture products, kits and equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Combinatorial ChemistryCombinatorial chemistry, also known as combichem, is a technique used in drug discovery to create libraries of structurally related compounds. A library is generated by synthesis with a chemical reactor system or by computer-based modeling of compound combinations. When undertaking combinatorial chemistry consider reagents, buffers, resins and standards.ProteomicsProteomics is the systemic bioinformatics study of proteins and amino acids, including their structure, size, function and identification. Tools used in proteomics include chromatography, blotting and gels, protein arrays, mass spectrometry and ELISA and associated analysis software. Analyzers and proteomic systems should be sensitive, high resolution, fast and may be automated for high-throughput.Cell Lines Stem Cells and Primary CellsPrimary cell cultures, established cell lines and stem cells are vital for <i>in vitro</i> and <i>ex vivo</i> experimentation. High-quality cells, optimized for your applications, alongside optimized cell substrates, growth medium and supplements, are critical for experimental success. Explore a range of cells suitable for your applications, including isogenic cell lines, competent cells, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cell lines, fungal/bacterial/mammalian cell lines, stem cells and cancer cell lines. Find the best cells for your research in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Data AnalysisData analysis hardware and software is available to make data processing straight-forward yet powerful. Data software can be used for math and stats, technical graphing and image analysis. In addition, software is available for specific data analysis of electrophoresis, densitometry, ELISA and DNA sequencing.Sample ManagementSample management systems include sample storage devices such as freezers and plate storers, sample environment enclosures and sample organization, retrieval and sorter systems. Useful system features include high-throughput, automation, robotic arms, automated liquid handling and associated database systems. Accessories in sample management include barcode scanners, heat sealers and tubes.Process ChemistryProcess chemistry is an important stage of drug development for scaling-up drug production or chemical synthesis reactions. It is useful for optimizing economical and efficient drug production. Process chemistry uses reactors and pump systems as well as reagents, standards and buffers.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :Biopharmaceutical AdvancesBiopharmaceutical advances follow the development of pharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology, also known as biotechnology medicines. Biopharmaceuticals may be produced from cell lines, plants, or microbial cells. Important considerations of biopharmaceutical use include application, cost, production process and purification.Drug DeliveryDrug Delivery refers to dosage form, route of administration, formulations, technologies, and systems for transporting a pharmaceutical compound in the body as needed to safely achieve its desired therapeutic effect. Drug delivery is often approached via the biopharmaceutical or small molecule drug's formulation, but it may also involve medical devices or drug-device combination products. Considerations include instrumentation, software and services. RegulatoryPharmaceutical regulations impact on all areas of drug development, manufacture and control and supply. Services are provided from the early stages of drug development and clinical trials through to dossier submission, approval and marketing. Regulatory also includes submission of analytical studies from the pharmaceutical product and safety. Protein BiologyThe analysis of protein expression, identity and function is vital for many areas of life science research and drug discovery. Some of the most commonly used techniques in protein analysis include Western blotting, electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.

Related articles

Promega NanoLuc Enables a First in Measuring Drug-Target Residence in Live Cells