Biosensor comprising eukaryotic cells modified to express light-emitting protein

摘要

An in vivo method is disclosed for assaying the toxicity of chemicals towards eukaryotic cells. The method includes transferring a luciferase gene to e.g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This transfer does not necessarily require a gene conferring antibiotic resistance in order to select biosensor cells. The luciferase gene produces light emitting protein which requires energy from the cell to produce light. If cell viability is challenged by the presence of a toxin the level of light will fall. Use of S. cerevisiae cells permits the biosensor to be used over a wide pH range.