Synthesis and bioluminescence of thioluciferin

In fireflies, the luciferase enzyme converts a compound called luciferin into oxyluciferin, and produces light or “luminescence” as a result. This reaction requires energy derived from ATP in order to proceed, so researchers have exploited the luciferase-luciferin interaction to gauge ATP levels in cells. Given ATP’s role as the cell’s currency of energy, the ATP bioluminescence assay can provide insight into cellular metabolism and overall cell health.In this video,...

Bioluminescence-light emitted by a luciferase enzyme oxidizing a small-molecule substrate, a luciferin-can be harnessed to activate photosensory proteins, thereby adding another dimension to light stimulation and enabling the manipulation of a multitude of light-mediated functions in cells across temporal and spatial...

Source: Brodl, E., et al. In Situ Measurement and Correlation of Cell Density and Light Emission of Bioluminescent Bacteria. J. Vis. Exp. 1 (2018)This video demonstrates the cultivation of marine bioluminescent bacteria to observe quorum-sensing–mediated activation of the luminescence operon, enabling real-time monitoring of gene expression and light emission for studies in microbial communication and gene...

This article describes the administration of lux-tagged bacteria to mice and subsequent in vivo analysis using IVIS bioluminescence...

Overview
Dehydration synthesis (also called a condensation reaction) is the chemical process in which two molecules covalently link together to form a new molecule, along with the release of a water molecule. Many physiologically important compounds form by dehydration synthesis reactions, such as complex carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, and RNA.
Synthesis of carbohydrates
Sugar molecules are covalently linked together by dehydration synthesis. During the reaction, the hydroxyl (-OH) group from...

Source: Breid, S., et. al. Bioluminescence Imaging of Neuroinflammation in Transgenic Mice After Peripheral Inoculation of Alpha-Synuclein Fibrils. J. Vis. Exp. (2017)This video demonstrates the bioluminescence imaging of neuroinflammation in transgenic mice, showcasing luciferase-luciferin reactions in activated astrocytes. The protocol enables non-invasive quantification of astrocytic activation, aiding studies on CNS inflammation and therapeutic...