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Bioluminescent imaging: a critical tool in pre‐clinical oncology research
Author(s) -
O'Neill Karen,
Lyons Scott K,
Gallagher William M,
Curran Kathleen M,
Byrne Annette T
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the journal of pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.964
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1096-9896
pISSN - 0022-3417
DOI - 10.1002/path.2656
Subject(s) - bioluminescence imaging , luciferase , bioluminescence , molecular imaging , medicine , animal model , optical imaging , computational biology , preclinical research , cancer research , pathology , bioinformatics , biology , medical physics , gene , in vivo , microbiology and biotechnology , ecology , transfection , biochemistry , physics , optics
Bioluminescent imaging (BLI) is a non‐invasive imaging modality widely used in the field of pre‐clinical oncology research. Imaging of small animal tumour models using BLI involves the generation of light by luciferase‐expressing cells in the animal following administration of substrate. This light may be imaged using an external detector. The technique allows a variety of tumour‐associated properties to be visualized dynamically in living models. The increasing use of BLI as a small‐animal imaging modality has led to advances in the development of xenogeneic, orthotopic, and genetically engineered animal models expressing luciferase genes. This review aims to provide insight into the principles of BLI and its applications in cancer research. Many studies to assess tumour growth and development, as well as efficacy of candidate therapeutics, have been performed using BLI. More recently, advances have also been made using bioluminescent imaging in studies of protein‐protein interactions, genetic screening, cell‐cycle regulators, and spontaneous cancer development. Such novel studies highlight the versatility and potential of bioluminescent imaging in future oncological research. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.