Visualizing changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression using bioluminescence imaging in living...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is crucial for neural functions like memory consolidation.
• Altered BDNF levels are linked to neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Understanding BDNF regulation is vital for disease research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for monitoring dynamic changes in BDNF expression in vivo.
• To assess the utility of a novel Brain-derived neurotrophic factor-Luciferase transgenic (Bdnf-Luc Tg) mouse model.

Main Methods:

• Generated a Bdnf-Luc Tg mouse model to visualize BDNF expression.
• Administered d-luciferin to detect bioluminescence in living Tg mice.
• Utilized a near-infrared emitting luciferin analogue to overcome signal penetration issues in the brain.

Main Results:

• Bioluminescence signals were detected in living Bdnf-Luc Tg mice.
• Near-infrared bioluminescence enabled detection of brain BDNF expression changes.
• A correlation was observed between increased body weight and abdominal bioluminescence in mice on a high-fat diet.

Conclusions:

• The Bdnf-Luc Tg mouse allows visualization of BDNF expression changes in living subjects.
• This transgenic model is a powerful tool for investigating BDNF's role in physiological and pathophysiological conditions.