研究目的

To explore the use of luciferase as a reporter gene for in vivo imaging, including the principles of bioluminescence imaging, different strategies for its application, and factors affecting BLI quantification.

研究成果

BLI is a powerful way of answering research questions, enabling noninvasive and longitudinal follow-up of test animals. It is quite easy to perform, safe, and extremely sensitive. New strategies, such as the use of split luciferases and BRET, will further expand the possible applications both in vitro and in vivo. For correct quantification of a biological phenomenon, influencing factors should, however, be kept in mind, and confirmation using other techniques is always necessary.

研究不足

The paper mentions that accurate quantification in BLI requires standardized imaging protocols to avoid incorrect readout, and even with good standardized imaging, bias between the molecular parameter of interest and the measured signal intensity is still possible due to factors like intracellular substrate concentrations, changes in enzyme expression levels, and differences in attenuation and scatter.