Renilla luciferase, a monomeric 36kDa protein, catalyzes coelenterate-luciferin (coelenterazine) oxidation to produce light (3; Figure 1). Post-translational modification is not required for its activity, and the enzyme may function as a genetic reporter immediately following translation.

What does Renilla luciferase do?

Renilla luciferase is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction which is responsible for the green bioluminescence of Renilla reniformis, a soft coral also known as sea pansy and a member of the class Anthozoa [1].

How does the luciferase assay work?

The luciferase assay is useful to study whether a protein of interest regulates a particular gene at the transcription level. ... When this protein activates transcription, the cell will produce luciferase enzyme. After the addition of a lysis buffer and a substrate, a luminometer quantifies the luciferase activity.