Current and prospective trends in the application of bioluminescent analysis in experimental brain studies

Bioluminescence, a natural phenomenon resulting from enzyme-catalysed oxidation of substrates like luciferin, has emerged as a powerful tool in modern biology, biochemistry, and medicine. Advances in understanding bioluminescent systems, particularly those of bacteria, fireflies, coelenterates, and crustaceans, have facilitated the development of highly sensitive and specific analytical methods. Applications range from intracellular bioimaging to the detection of metabolites and effectors, offering unparalleled insight into cellular and molecular processes. Recently, experimental neuroscience has embraced bioluminescent techniques, leveraging their unique advantages for visualizing and assessing brain cell function and metabolic activity in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the potential to control neuronal activity through bioluminescent reactions is opening new frontiers in neurobiology. This review focuses on the principles of bioluminescent assays based on bacterial and firefly luciferases and coelenterazine-derived systems, highlighting their current and prospective applications in experimental brain studies.