Reporter Assays
Now that you have a healthy cell model, you can study more complex biological interactions. Let us shine the light on the possibilities of reporter gene assays.
Bioluminescence
From the natural environment to the cellular environment, bioluminescence is an important biological process.
![A firefly stretches its wings and glows](https://scv10mr-cdnpre-p-cus-00.azureedge.net/-/media/images/resources/student-resources/cell-biology-animations/reporter-assays-fix/49129796-reporter-assays-bioluninescence-left.gif?rev=8f53a19c961d4708b1eb84f953bb88c4&sc_lang=en)
ARTICLE
Bioluminescence in Nature
Examples of biolumenscence are found everywhere in the natural world—from your backyard to the depths of the ocean. Let these creatures illuminate your mind and inspire your science!
![A cell flashes with glowing luminescence](https://scv10mr-cdnpre-p-cus-00.azureedge.net/-/media/images/resources/student-resources/cell-biology-animations/reporter-assays-fix/49129796-reporter-assays-bioluninescence-middle.gif?rev=87a14f9576a749d0aefc1bc023f9c8b1&sc_lang=en)
GUIDE
Bioluminescence Resource Center
Learn more about how luminescence works, what makes it different from fluorescence and how you can use luminescence to fuel your own research.
![A small shrimp glows with blue light](https://scv10mr-cdnpre-p-cus-00.azureedge.net/-/media/images/resources/student-resources/cell-biology-animations/reporter-assays-fix/49129796-reporter-assays-bioluninescence-right.gif?rev=523cbc578ae74a08b8c5ef056568d6dd&sc_lang=en)
GUIDE
Bioluminescent Reporter Genes
Bioluminescence provides a unique opportunity to study gene expression and regulation within a cell model. Learn how to use luciferase reporter technology.
Transfection
How do you get genetic material into a cell? There are a variety of methods available to help you perform a successful transfection while maintaining the integrity of your cells.
![A cell bounces next to a plasmid](https://scv10mr-cdnpre-p-cus-00.azureedge.net/-/media/images/resources/student-resources/cell-biology-animations/reporter-assays-fix/49129796-reporter-assays-transfection-left-revised.gif?rev=35f10a1d31c84dd795dd08de2de054e5&sc_lang=en)
VIDEO
Introduction to Transfection
How do you get a hydrophobic nucleic acid molecule past the lipid bilayer membrane of a cell? Learn the basics of transfection.
![A plasmid passes through cell membrane](https://scv10mr-cdnpre-p-cus-00.azureedge.net/-/media/images/resources/student-resources/cell-biology-animations/reporter-assays-fix/49129796-reporter-assays-transfection-middle-revised.gif?rev=dba371f743be4a039cb0fd547b727de7&sc_lang=en)
ARTICLE
Optimize Your Transfection
Good cell culture practices, quality of reagents and transfection method will all influence the results of your assay. Use this guide to determine how to achieve success.
![A plasmid moves inside of a cell](https://scv10mr-cdnpre-p-cus-00.azureedge.net/-/media/images/resources/student-resources/cell-biology-animations/reporter-assays-fix/49129796-reporter-assays-transfection-right-revised.gif?rev=1ca46d3bb5e84d1f8cc03061fcde59a8&sc_lang=en)
GUIDE
Deciphering the Vector Code
How do you know which gene is being expressed? Which vector should you use in your reporter assays? Decipher the naming strategy for reporter vectors.
Reporter Assays
Luminescent reporter assays can help you analyze a variety of complex intracellular processes. With this complexity in mind, starting with a good assay design is imperative for experimental success.
![Three plasmids move across the screen](https://scv10mr-cdnpre-p-cus-00.azureedge.net/-/media/images/resources/student-resources/cell-biology-animations/reporter-assays-fix/49129796-reporter-assays-reporter-assay-left-revised.gif?rev=d922ec42bc7a49de9aa0a2c9e7b54d46&sc_lang=en)
VIDEO
Introduction to Reporter Gene Assays
Gain a basic understanding of how reporter gene assays work.
![Three single stranded DNA molecules move across the screen](https://scv10mr-cdnpre-p-cus-00.azureedge.net/-/media/images/resources/student-resources/cell-biology-animations/reporter-assays-fix/49129796-reporter-assays-reporter-assay-middle-revised.gif?rev=6cf9e244dcd14b37ae3874947112d7d9&sc_lang=en)
GUIDE
Reporter Assays and Beyond
While reporter assays are traditionally used to study gene expression, the bright and sensitive NanoLuc® Luciferase brings new applications into light.
![Five protein segments folded into helix shape of different length float around the screen](https://scv10mr-cdnpre-p-cus-00.azureedge.net/-/media/images/resources/student-resources/cell-biology-animations/reporter-assays-fix/49129796-reporter-assays-reporter-assay-right-revised.gif?rev=6d8fd468ebb9456991ee5c7ca49cae0a&sc_lang=en)
BLOG
Bioassays and Beyond
Discover how a luciferase-based bioassay is used as an alternative to traditional primary cell-based methods.
Optimize Your Assays
Here are some tips to help you optimize your reporter gene assays, from experimental design to data analysis.
![A scientist looks at an open book on a laboratory countertop](https://scv10mr-cdnpre-p-cus-00.azureedge.net/-/media/images/resources/student-resources/cell-biology-animations/reporter-assays-fix/49129796-reporter-assays-optimize-your-assays-left-revised.gif?rev=c0aa2cd9248f46eaa3c95e8073133940&sc_lang=en)
WEBINAR
Designing a Reporter Assay
With many advantages come many pitfalls. Get advice on how to avoid common mistakes when designing your reporter assays.
![A scientist checks on three test tubes filled with different liquids](https://scv10mr-cdnpre-p-cus-00.azureedge.net/-/media/images/resources/student-resources/cell-biology-animations/reporter-assays-fix/49129796-reporter-assays-optimize-your-assays-middle-revised.gif?rev=373093f2ed134b50814be27f39cd0db2&sc_lang=en)
ARTICLE
Choosing Your Reporters
To design a good reporter assay, you need to consider many parameters—but how do you choose the right combination? Learn how to decide which assay is right for you.
![A scientist goes to a computer and clicks the mouse](https://scv10mr-cdnpre-p-cus-00.azureedge.net/-/media/images/resources/student-resources/cell-biology-animations/reporter-assays-fix/49129796-reporter-assays-optimize-your-assays-right-revised.gif?rev=7ce486a0fda74968807509742c7faa82&sc_lang=en)
GUIDE
The Need for Normalization
A control reporter provides a method of internal normalization to reduce variability in your experiments, acquire more data and help you better analyze your results.