HEK293 Incretin and Hormone Reporter Cells

Quantify the bioactivity of incretin-related metabolic regulators

InvivoGen’s incretin and hormone bioassays provide a sensitive and convenient colorimetric readout to quantify incretin-related hormone activity.

They consist of a HEK293-derived reporter cell line which expresses the specific hormone receptor for GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), or GCG (glucagon), together with a CREB (cAMP-response element binding protein)-inducible SEAP (secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase) reporter gene. Upon receptor binding to hormones or agonist analogs, the cells produce and secrete SEAP in the supernatant. Thus, cell lysis is not needed. SEAP levels are easily assessed using QUANTI-Blue™ Solution, a SEAP detection reagent, providing a sensitive and quantitative readout of receptor activity. 

Our incretin bioassays are a great tool to measure the potency and activity of metabolic regulators, including native receptor agonists and drug candidates.

Incretins are gut-derived peptide hormones, primarily GLP-1 and GIP, secreted after nutrient intake to enhance glucose-dependent insulin release from pancreatic β cells. Together with GCG, they form an integrated hormonal network that maintains glucose and energy balance. They have emerged as key therapeutic targets in diabetes and obesity research, inspiring the development of dual and triple receptor agonists that synergistically enhance glycemic control, promote weight loss, and improve overall metabolic health.

Since these metabolic hormones are biologically active molecules, their functions can’t be fully understood through physicochemical analyses alone. InvivoGen’s cell-based metabolic assays capture receptor activity and downstream responses, providing functional insight essential for identifying bioactive compounds for therapeutic development.

Key features

• Colorimetric & rapid quantification
• No cell lysis needed
• Functionally validated with bioactive hormones
• Mycoplasma-free certified
• Stable for at least 20 passages  

Applications

• Therapeutic development
• Drug screening
• Release assay

These cell lines are extensively tested for viability, stability, biological activity, and absence of mycoplasma to ensure strong and reproducible results. Moreover, we provide detailed handling and experimental procedures for all cell lines, to minimize the end-user's need for optimization or troubleshooting.

Illustration on this page were created with BioRender.com.