Cellular biosensors for drug discovery

Recent advances in cell biology, fluorescent probe chemistry, miniaturizati on and automation have allowed the use of mammalian cells in a variety of m edical and industrial applications. Here we describe the generation of cell -based biosensors, engineered to optically report specific biological activ ity. Cellular biosensors are comprised of living cells and can be used in v arious applications, including screening chemical libraries for drug discov ery and environmental sensing. Panels of biosensors may also be useful for elucidating the function of novel genes. Here we describe two examples of t he construction and use of engineered cell lines as biosensors for drug dis covery. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.