Red Shifted Firefly Luciferase Lentivirus

Red Shifted Firefly Luciferase Lentivirus are replication incompetent, HIV based, VSV-G pseudotyped lentiviral particles that are ready to transduce almost all types of mammalian cells, including primary and non-dividing cells. These particles contain a red shifted firefly luciferase (Luciola italica) under the control of an EF1a promoter. The lentiviruses also transduce a puromycin selection marker (Figure 1). Luciferase expression and transduction efficiency can easily be verified and optimized by using a luminometer. Figure 1. Schematic of the lenti-vector used to generate the Red Shifted Firefly Luciferase Lentivirus. Luciferase is an enzyme that catalyzes a multi-step chemical reaction using luciferin to generate light. The ability to generate bioluminescence has made luciferase a crucial biomedical reagent, allowing easy read outs in cellular and biochemical assays. One of the most used is Photinus pyralis luciferase, which is stable and has a rapid turnover. Its emission peak falls in the yellow-green range, which coincides with the absorption spectra of molecules like hemoglobin and melanin. The use and/or development of a red-shifted luciferase can improve deep-tissue penetration and sensitivity. Italic firely Luciola italica has a red-shifted luciferase with an increase in quantum yield. These properties make a suitable reagent for in vivo deep imaging.