NCRR Shared Instrumentation Grant : Bioluminescent Scanner

描述(申请人提供)：活体、实时和细胞水平的基因表达的分子成像是医学研究的一个快速发展的领域，它将在基因水平上洞察疾病的起源和发展。用于对活体动物的疾病进展、细胞贩运和基因表达模式进行非侵入性纵向监测的仪器现已问世。这种方法将提供传统组织病理学技术所不能提供的洞察力。Xenogen公司的IVIS活体生物发光成像系统被公认为处于这一新兴领域的前沿。在过去的四年里，我们一直以体内分子成像实验室(IMIL)的名义运营这样一个系统，作为一个共享的研究设施。目前的系统是Xenogen IVIS 200，它是在2005年底用12个系主任的捐款和医学院院长的相应捐款购买的。在此期间，我们的行动非常顺利和成功，并支持了许多部门，从而获得了赠款和论文。虽然在购买时是最先进的，但这项技术在最近已经进步了。在这份申请中，我们寻求从同一家公司申请升级到下一代系统的资金。这个新系统被称为Spectrum。这一新系统是这种模式中的最新系统，具有更高的分辨率以及更多的滤光片，用于成像更多的光学波长。Spectrum可以作为新设备购买，但我们目前的IVIS 200有一个升级路径，允许我们以极低的成本获得Spectrum。 公共卫生相关性：疾病的动物模型在医学研究中是必不可少的。生物发光成像使研究人员能够利用疾病的小动物模型来监控体内的疾病进展和细胞功能。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Molecular imaging of gene expression in vivo, in real time and at the cellular level is a rapidly growing area of medical research that will provide insight into the origin and progression of disease at the genetic level. Instrumentation for non-invasive longitudinal monitoring of disease progression, cell trafficking and gene expression patterns in life animals are now available. This modality will provide insights not previously possible with classical histopathology techniques. The Xenogen Corporation's IVIS in vivo bioluminescence imaging system is recognized as being at the forefront of this emerging field. We have been operating such a system for the past four years as a shared research facility under the name In-Vivo Molecular Imaging Lab (IMIL). The current system which is a Xenogen IVIS 200 was purchased in late 2005 using contributions from 12 department chairs funds and matching contributions from the dean of the medical school. During this time we have had a very smooth and successful operation and have supported many departments resulting in grants and papers. Although state of the art at the time of purchase, this technology has advanced in recent times. In this application we are seeking to apply for funds for an upgrade to the next generation system from the same company. The new system is called Spectrum. This new system is the latest in this modality with improved resolution as well as more filters for imaging of additional optical wavelengths. The Spectrum can be purchased as a new unit, but our current IVIS 200 has an upgrade path that allows us to obtain the Spectrum at a fraction of the cost. Public Health Relevance: Animal models of disease are essential in medical research. Bioluminescent imaging allows researchers with small animal models of disease to monitor in-vivo disease progression and cellular function.