Simultaneous monitoring of independent gene expression patterns in two types of cocultured fibroblasts with different color-emitting luciferases

BMC Biotechnol. 2008 Apr 17:8:40. doi: 10.1186/1472-6750-8-40.

Abstract

Background: Luciferase assay systems enable the real-time monitoring of gene expression in living cells. We have developed a dual-color luciferase assay system in which the expression of multiple genes can be tracked simultaneously using green- and red-emitting beetle luciferases. We have applied the system to monitoring independent gene expressions in two types of cocultured fibroblasts in real time.

Results: Two Rat-1 cell lines were established that stably express either green- or red-emitting luciferases under the control of the mBmal1 promoter, a canonical clock gene. We cocultured these cell lines, and gene expression profiles in both were monitored simultaneously. The circadian rhythms of these cell lines are independent, oscillating following their intrinsic circadian phases, even when cocultured. Furthermore, the independent rhythms were synchronized by medium change as an external stimulus.

Conclusion: Using this system, we successfully monitored independent gene expression patterns in two lines of cocultured fibroblasts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Coculture Techniques / methods*
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Profiling / methods*
  • Genes, Reporter / physiology
  • Luciferases / metabolism*
  • Luminescent Measurements / methods*
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton / methods*
  • Molecular Probe Techniques
  • Rats
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Luciferases