Reporter gene assays and in vivo imaging applications - Health and Safety - Health and Safety Science and Research

Methodology: The luc gene coding for firefly luciferase may be attached to another gene of interest. The expressing of this gene may then be estimated from the level of luciferase expression measured as light. This may be done in vitro, i.e. after lysing the cells adding ATP and D-luciferin, or in vivo. In the latter case D-luciferin has to enter the cells. Even whole live animals or plants may be studied, “in vivo imaging”, by injecting D-luciferin into the organism (ATP is already in the cells).