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

我们的目标是开发一种实时监测报告基因表达的系统，从自由移动的小鼠体表响应各种环境刺激。我们使用2台CCD相机进行立体成像，以识别空间中的区域，并实时校准发光。我们通过在区域周围使用3个标记来跟踪感兴趣的区域。利用该系统和程序，我们成功地在连续3天以上的时间内实时展示了自由运动小鼠嗅球、大脑皮层和皮肤中Per1-luc和Bmal1-luc的表达。我们开发的系统使我们不仅可以监测单个动物的基因表达，还可以监测各种社会信号。

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.