Luciferase Reporter Cell Line - U2OS

U2OS, a human osteosarcoma cell line, has garnered significant attention in biomedical research owing to its robustness, ease of cultivation, and genomic stability. Established in 1964 by J. Pontén and colleagues, U2OS cells were derived from a 15-year-old female patient suffering from osteosarcoma. The utility of U2OS cells in elucidating various cellular processes stems from their epithelial morphology, diploid karyotype, and functional characteristics resembling primary osteoblasts. Over the years, researchers have extensively employed U2OS cells to investigate diverse biological phenomena including cell cycle regulation, DNA repair mechanisms, and signal transduction pathways. The advent of luciferase reporter assays revolutionized the study of gene expression dynamics and cellular signaling events. The luciferase enzyme, isolated from the firefly Photinus pyralis, catalyzes the oxidation of luciferin, resulting in the emission of bioluminescent light. This phenomenon, exploited for monitoring gene expression, enables real-time, non-invasive assessment of transcriptional activity in living cells. Combining the versatility of U2OS cells with luciferase reporter technology has facilitated the development of U2OS luciferase reporter cell lines, empowering researchers to dissect intricate molecular mechanisms underlying various physiological and pathological processes. These engineered cell lines typically incorporate luciferase reporter constructs under the control of specific promoters or response elements, allowing for precise monitoring of gene expression changes in response to environmental stimuli or pharmacological interventions.