Bioluminescence Imaging of Gene Expression in Living Cells and Tissues

Abstract

Biomedical research requires a better understanding of how genes are regulated. Unfortunately, most assays of gene expression disrupt cell integrity and provide information only at specific points in time. Numerous replicates are needed at each time point to show the temporal pattern of gene activity. Rapidly changing patterns in the induction of immediate-early genes and other cell responses following cell stimulation are not easily described by current methods. Recent studies have shown, however, that continuous monitoring of gene activity is possible by imaging bioluminescent reporter gene expression in live cells. Temporal data acquired in this way are being used to answer questions concerning development, signal transduction, hormone secretion, infection, circadian rhythms, and other processes. This chapter will describe current imaging using bioluminescent gene products, particularly those in live mammalian cells.