In vivo bioluminescent imaging allows the detection of reporter gene expression in rodents in real time. Here we describe a novel technology whereby we can generate somatotransgenic rodents with the use of a viral vector carrying a luciferase transgene. We are able to achieve long term luciferase expression by a single injection of lentiviral or adeno-associated virus vectors to newborn mice. Further, we describe whole body bioluminescence imaging of conscious mice in a noninvasive manner, thus enforcing the 3R's (replacement, reduction, and refinement) of biomedical animal research.
Keywords: Adeno-associated vectors; Bioluminescence imaging; Biosensors; Conscious imaging; Lentiviral vectors; Luciferase; Luciferin; Neonatal mice; Transcription factor activated reporter.