The kits are comprised of buffers, fluorescent probes, and sometimes positive or negative control compounds and are optimized to increase sensitivity, specificity, and signal-to-noise ratio. This optimization, combined with each fluorophore's ability to absorb and emit light at distinct wavelengths, enables researchers to carry out multiplex assays. As such, the HitKit series of reagents is amenable to cell-based, high-content screening applications.
Four broad categories of cellular actions can be studied with the kits: indices of cell signaling, cell mitosis, cell motility and morphology, and cellular toxicity. A variety of kits are available for studying basic cell signaling properties involving transcription factor or kinase activation: NF-*B, STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT5, c-Jun, ERK MAPK, p38 MAPK, and ATF-2. These transcription factors and kinases are primarily cytoplasmic until activated, when they translocate to the nucleus. Nuclear accumulation of these proteins may be observed using the kits. Analysis of compounds that induce or inhibit ...
