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Transgenic mice encoding modern imaging probes: Properties and applications.

Ludmila A Kasatkina¹, Vladislav V Verkhusha²

¹Department of Genetics and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.

|May 25, 2022

Summary

Transgenic mice with fluorescent proteins and biosensors enable in vivo tracking of cellular processes. These advanced animal models are crucial for understanding normal biology and disease, advancing translational research and drug discovery.

Keywords:

CP: Cell biology CP: Neuroscience Cre/loxP recombination activity-dependent promoter biosensor cell-specific promoter conditional expression fluorescent protein in vivo imaging

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Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Biotechnology
Medical Imaging

Background:

Modern biology heavily utilizes optical technologies for in vivo visualization and monitoring of cellular functions.
A key challenge is tracking molecules and cells within their natural physiological environment.
Transgenic mice expressing fluorescent proteins and biosensors offer a powerful solution for in vivo studies.

Purpose of the Study:

To review strategies for targeted probe expression in specific tissues, cell subtypes, or cellular compartments.
To describe the applications of transgenic mice in tracking various biological processes.
To overview functional imaging possibilities and discuss future perspectives in translational research.

Main Methods:

Utilizing transgenic mice encoding fluorescent proteins and biosensors for in vivo studies.
Targeting probe expression to specific cells, tissues, or subcellular compartments.
Reviewing existing literature on applications and functional imaging.

Main Results:

Transgenic mice facilitate tracking of protein expression, apoptosis, tissue regeneration, neurogenesis, and tumorigenesis.
Applications include cell fate mapping and functional imaging of neurotransmitters and ion fluxes.
These models are vital for in vivo studies in both normal and pathological conditions.

Conclusions:

Transgenic mice are indispensable tools for in vivo biological research, offering high stability and tissue integrity.
They enable detailed monitoring of cellular dynamics and molecular events.
These imaging probes hold significant promise for translational research and accelerating drug discovery.