In biologics, cell therapy, and targeted protein degradation, the science is moving fast—and so are the tools. From GPCR-targeted therapies to real-time CAR-T manufacturing tools, new techniques are reshaping how scientists approach drug development, live-cell imaging, and protein degradation.
The “Bringing Light to Science” Discover Glo 2025 speaker series brought together researchers from across academia and industry to share real-world examples of how bioluminescent technologies are helping them advance their research. Now available on demand, these sessions offer fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways on the future of therapeutic development, cellular analysis and assay design.
We’ve distilled five key takeaways from the sessions—practical insights you can apply to your own work or use to stay current with where the field is heading.
1. Targeting RAF1 Stability Could Expand Options for KRAS Mutant Tumors
Presented by: Lucía Lomba and Gonzalo Aizpurua de Arteche, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Spain
The team at the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre is pursuing two approaches to degrade RAF1, a key KRAS effector, by disrupting its interactions with KRAS and CDC37. Using bioluminescent protein:protein interaction assays such as NanoBRET® and NanoBiT®, they validated both nanobody- and small molecule-driven strategies. These early findings point to a potential path around resistance and mutation challenges in KRAS-targeted therapies. Watch the session
2. Smarter Assay Design Reduces the Risk of Misinterpreting Results
Presented by: Artur Wnorowski, Biotechna SA, Poland
Dr. Wnorowski showed how multiplexing assays and capturing time-course data revealed patterns that would have been missed using single-endpoint designs. In one example, dose-response curves paired with real-time viability assays and fluorescent readouts helped distinguish true cytotoxicity from transient metabolic effects—highlighting the importance of drug screening to help make more accurate and confident decisions during drug screening. Watch the session
3. Rapid Potency Testing Is Enabling Scalable Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) Manufacturing
Presented by: Gemma Arán, Banc de Sang I Teixits, Spain
To meet clinical demands for personalized cell therapies, Dr. Arán’s group developed a validated, GMP-compatible Lumit® cytokine release assay that assesses tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) potency in under two hours. The approach provides a faster, reproducible alternative to ELISA—helping research teams reduce bottlenecks and improve consistency in cell therapy workflows. Watch the session
4. Synthetic Riboswitches Offer Tunable Control for RNA-Based Therapeutics
Presented by: Eric Rovira, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Spain
Dr. Rovira’s lab is engineering synthetic non-coding RNAs—called riboswitches—that respond to small molecules to control gene expression. Using split NanoLuc® bioluminescent readouts, the team is optimizing these switches for precise modulation of splicing and polyadenylation. This work opens the door to more responsive, controllable strategies in mRNA therapeutic development. Watch the session
5. Bioluminescence Enables Cleaner, Longer-Term Imaging in Live Cells
Presented by: Stephan Kirchmaier, Promega Corporation, Germany
Dr. Kirchmaier demonstrated how the GloMax® Galaxy Bioluminescence Imager allows researchers to visualize protein dynamics, degradation, and target engagement over time—with minimal phototoxicity or background signal. When paired with NanoLuc®-based reporters, this system supports multiplexed imaging in live cells without compromising viability or signal quality. Watch the session
From assay optimization to live-cell imaging, Discover Glo 2025 covered a wide range of scientific applications. Whether you’re refining assay design or exploring new therapeutic strategies, these on-demand sessions offer timely, relevant insights from researchers tackling real-world challenges.
If you missed the live event—or just want to revisit the discussions—you can still register to access all presentations and watch at your own pace. Browse the full series and register for the on-demand sessions today.
Meghan Rollins
