Are you new to in vivo imaging?
An in vivo imaging modalities overview
In vivo imaging in laboratory animals is a relatively new methodology that is gaining fast acceptance in biomedical research. Imaging modalities frequently utilized in in vivo research are mostly adaptations from familiar, clinical imaging instrumentation such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT, SPECT, PET and MRI. However, newer technologies such as Optical Imaging and Intravital Microscopy originated with lab animal applications in mind. The diverse choice in imaging platforms available may foster the question of which modality is the best fit for your research model. Read more
Cell Transfection is no longer your Roadblock to Publication.
Cell Transfection allows researchers to manipulate gene expression in cells. In order to evaluate physiological or pathological processes, your specific protein of interest can be expressed, or depleted by means of cell transfection. Furthermore, the new field of molecular imaging allows visualization of molecular mechanisms of disease in real time, non-invasively with reporter genes. New, flexible methodology makes Cell Transfection affordable and easy.Read more
Luciferases and in vivo molecular imaging.
Multiple luciferases have been cloned and applications in molecular biology and in vivo optical imaging have been identified. This review focuses on features of luciferases and their correspondent substrates called luciferins, commonly used in in vivo molecular imaging. Luciferases and bioluminescence imaging offer a significant advantage... Read more
RNA interference (RNAi) imaging.
Molecular imaging of gene function by means of RNA interference (RNAi) is powerful, real time methodology. Targeted RNAi gene knockdown is a highly efficient technique
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
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
