Reverse Mode Assay: The assay is based on the monitoring of intracellular Ca2+concentrations using the calcium-sensitive dye Fluo-4. CHO cells expressing NCX1 were loaded with the dye by means of the acetoxymethyl ester Fluo-4 AM (Invitrogen, F14202), which is cleaved intracellularly by esterase activity to yield the charged species of free Fluo-4. After an preincubation period with the test compound, Gramicidine (Sigma, G5002) was added. Gramicidine is an ionophor for Na+ions mediating an increase of intracellular Na+ions. Consequently, intracellular Na+ions are exchanged against extracellular Ca2+ions (Ca2+influx, reverse mode). The intracellular elevation of Ca2+ ions was detected by measuring the fluorescence of Fluo-4 at a wavelength of 520 nm by a FLIPR device.Briefly, for the reverse mode transport assay 18000 cells per well were seeded into a 96 well microplate (Corning COSTAR 3904) and incubated overnight in culture medium (1x Nut Mix F12 (Ham) (Gibco, 21765-029); 10% (v/v) fetal calf serum.
Forward Mode Assay: The assay is based on the monitoring of intracellular Ca2+concentrations using the PBX Calcium Assay Kit from BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) with calcium indicator dye 51-9000177BKa (BD, 640177), CHO cells expressing NCX1 were loaded with the dye, and after a preincubation period with the test compound, lonomycin (Calbiochem, 407950) was added. Ionomycin is an ionophor for Ca2+ions mediating an increase of intracellular Ca2+ions. Consequently, intracellular Ca2+ions are exchanged against extracellular Na+ions (Ca2+efflux, forward mode). The decrease of intracellular Ca2+ions was detected by measuring the fluorescence of the calcium indicator dye at a wavelength of 520 nm by a FLIPR device.Briefly, similarly as for the reverse mode, for the forward mode transport assay 18000 cells per well were seeded into a 96 well microplate (Corning COSTAR 3904) and incubated overnight in culture medium (cf. above). A total volume of 100 ul medium per well was used.