Multiplexed reporter gene assays: monitoring the cell viability and the compound kinetics on luciferase activity.

High-throughput screening assays with multiple readouts enable one to monitor multiple assay parameters. By capturing as much information about the underlying biology as possible, the detection of true actives can be improved. This report describes an extension to standard luciferase reporter gene assays that enables multiple parameters to be monitored from each sample. The report describes multiplexing luciferase assays with an orthogonal readout monitoring cell viability using reduction of resazurin. In addition, this technical note shows that by using the luciferin substrate in live cells, an assay time course can be recorded. This enables the identification of nonactive or unspecific compounds that act by inhibiting luciferase, as well as compounds altering gene expression or cell growth. (Journal of Biomolecular Screening 2011;16:786-793)