Bioluminescence imaging in mice with synthetic luciferin analogues

Methods Enzymol. 2020:640:165-183. doi: 10.1016/bs.mie.2020.04.033. Epub 2020 May 31.

Abstract

Luciferase enzymes from bioluminescent organisms can be expressed in mice, enabling these rodents to glow when treated with a corresponding luciferin substrate. Light emission occurs where the expression of the genetically-encoded luciferase overlaps with the biodistribution of the administered small molecule luciferin. Here we discuss differences between firefly luciferin analogues for bioluminescence imaging, focusing on transgenic and adeno-associated virus (AAV)-transduced mice.

Keywords: AAV; Coelenterazine; CycLuc1; FAAH; Firefly; GFAP; Luciferase; NanoLuc; PHP.eB; Transgenic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Firefly Luciferin*
  • Luciferases / genetics
  • Luciferases / metabolism
  • Luciferases, Firefly / genetics
  • Luciferases, Firefly / metabolism
  • Luminescent Measurements*
  • Mice
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Firefly Luciferin
  • Luciferases
  • Luciferases, Firefly