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Reporter genes are a type of protein-coding gene that are often tagged to a gene of interest. Once inside a target cell, reporter genes usually produce visually identifiable characteristics like fluorescence and luminescence when expressed along with the gene of interest. Thus, reporter genes “report” the presence or absence of genes of interest in an organism, determine the gene expression pattern, or track the physical location of a DNA segment or protein in the cell.
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Radionuclide-fluorescence Reporter Gene Imaging to Track Tumor Progression in Rodent Tumor Models

Radionuclide-fluorescence Reporter Gene Imaging to Track Tumor Progression in Rodent Tumor Models

Published on: March 13, 2018

Molecular imaging: reporter gene imaging.

Inna Serganova¹, Phillipp Mayer-Kukuck, Ruimin Huang

¹Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA.

Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology

|July 16, 2008

Summary

Non-invasive molecular imaging uses advanced technologies like PET and MRI to visualize biological processes in vivo. This approach aids in understanding cancer development and response to therapy, with future human applications anticipated.

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Area of Science:

Medical Imaging
Molecular Biology
Genetics

Background:

Molecular genetic imaging combines molecular biology, cell biology, and advanced imaging techniques.
Recent advancements have enabled non-invasive in-vivo studies using radiotracers (PET, gamma camera, autoradiography), MRI, and optical imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the development and applications of non-invasive in-vivo molecular genetic imaging.
To discuss strategies for imaging molecular and genetic processes in living organisms.
To highlight the potential of molecular imaging in understanding disease and therapy response.

Main Methods:

Utilized radiotracer-based imaging (PET, gamma camera, autoradiography), magnetic resonance imaging, and optical imaging.
Described three imaging strategies: bio-marker/surrogate imaging, direct molecular imaging, and indirect reporter gene imaging.
Presented examples of applications in monitoring signal transduction pathways, oncogenesis, and therapeutic responses in animal models.

Main Results:

Demonstrated the utility of PET- and optical-based reporter imaging for various biological processes.
Showcased applications in genetic mouse models and animal models of human disease.
Highlighted the ability to monitor oncogenesis, pathway activity, and treatment effects non-invasively.

Conclusions:

Molecular imaging provides spatial and temporal insights complementing traditional ex-vivo assays.
It offers a powerful tool for studying disease development, progression, and treatment response.
Future translation to human clinical applications for cancer and other diseases is expected.