What if we could see gene expression in real-time within living organisms? This review highlights the transformative advances in in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and fluorescence imaging, offering unprecedented insights into cellular and molecular processes. By utilizing light emitted from luminescent enzymes, researchers can now visualize gene expression, immune cell trafficking, and gene transfer within living animals. This has revolutionized the study of biological phenomena. This technology combines bioluminescent reporter systems with sensitive CCD cameras to detect light transmitted through tissues, enabling non-invasive measurements of mammalian gene expression. The review emphasizes the study of genetic regulatory elements in transgenic mice and the development of combined BLI and fluorescence imaging methods. Together, these facilitate real-time studies of genes' roles in health and disease. These advances in imaging technologies are accelerating the functional analysis of genes and their involvement in diverse biological processes. BLI's accessibility and speed make it a powerful tool for drug discovery, disease monitoring, and personalized medicine, promising significant advancements in our understanding and treatment of various conditions.
Published in the Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering, this paper aligns with the journal's emphasis on cutting-edge biomedical technologies. By detailing advancements in bioluminescence and fluorescence imaging, the review caters to the journal's audience of bioengineers and medical technology experts. This publication solidifies the journal's reputation for providing comprehensive overviews of innovative tools and techniques shaping the future of biomedicine.