Visualizing gene expression in response to environmental stimuli :real-time bioluminescence imaging in freely moving mice

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We aimed to develop a real-time monitoring system for reporter gene expression from the body surface of freely moving mice which can respond to various environmental stimuli. Using 2 CCD cameras, we performed stereoimaging to identify the region in a space and calibrated the luminescence in real-time. We tracked the region of interest by using 3 markers surrounding the region. By using this system and programs, we succeeded in demonstrating Per1-luc and Bmal1-luc expression from the olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex and skin simultaneously from freely moving mice at real time for more than 3 consecutive days. The system we developed enables us to monitor gene expression not only in single animal but to various social signals.