Cell-based co-transfection microarrays for use with HEK293T cells on a poly D-lysine-coated polystyrene microplate.

Analysis of the human genome sequence has identified thousands of putative genes with unknown function; therefore, a new tool allowing for rapid identification of gene functions is needed. Reverse transfection microarray technology, which turns a DNA microarray into a cell-based microarray, has emerged for simultaneously studying the function of many genes. Since the initial demonstration in 2001, many variations have surfaced, making the technology more versatile for a broad range of applications. We have developed a protocol to make ready-to-transfect DNA microarrays in a 96-well microplate for co-transfection of two plasmids into HEK293T cells. This cell-based microarray in a microplate may be used for screening hundreds of analytes against multiple protein targets in parallel, providing a powerful tool for functional genomics and drug discovery.