In Vivo Imaging - White Papers
How to use a Lentivirus as a vehicle for reporter gene transfection of cells.
Lentivirus protocol to make your own luciferase cell lines, Fast and easy.
Labeling cells with a genetically encoded reporter gene (firefly luciferase, red fluorescent protein, transferrin, thymidine kinase, etc.) is the number one choice for in vivo molecular imaging. Various transfection protocols to introduce foreign DNA in cells exist. A virus is nature’s own shuttle of genetic material and therefore viral infection is by far the most efficient transduction method even for resilient cell lines. A lentivirus Read more
In Vivo Optical Imaging Reporters
There is a plethora of choice in reporter tags for non-invasive in vivo optical imaging (fluorescence and bioluminescence) that are currently available from various commercial suppliers. This generates tremendous flexibility on one hand, but dilemma of choice on the other. This manuscript reviews the determining factors and will facilitate decision making using an interactive flow chart. Read more
D-Luciferin: in vivo imaging methods
D-luciferin [(S)-2-(6′-hydroxy-2′-benzothiazolyl)thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid] is the substrate of the North American firefly Photinus Pyralis luciferase and Clickbeetle Red and Clickbeetle Green luciferase. Luciferin is a low molecular weight (318.41 g/mole) organic compound that consists of a benzothiazole moiety attached to a thiazole carboxylic acid moiety. Luciferin is a small molecule which freely diffuses across membranes. When luciferin is injected in vivo Read more
Mouse Imaging: mouse strains for optical imaging
Laboratory mice are the primary model in preclinical research. This review discusses the characteristics of mouse strains of interest for in vivo optical mouse imaging in general and for cancer models. Read more
Cell Culture Techniques for In Vivo Grafting
Mouse models for in vivo imaging of cancer established by in vivo grafting of syngeneic or xenogeneic cells in recipient animals are commonly practiced. Success of these studies relies upon solid cell culture technique. This article covers sterile technique, thawing and freezing, subculture and preparation of cells for grafting. Read more
Microbubbles for in vivo ultrasound mouse imaging are encapsulated, inert gas filled colloidal particles. Upon intravenous injection, they are used as ultrasound contrast agents. Read more
Lab Animal Anesthesia - inhalation and injectable protocols
Inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane is quickly becoming the standard method of general anesthesia for rats and mice used in biomedical research and is imperative for in vivo imaging. Read more
