Bioluminescence methods are gaining increased attention due to their sensitivity, selectivity, and simplicity, along with the fact that bioluminescence can be monitored both in vitro and in vivo. This book introduces bioluminescence and fluorescence systems, along with the principles of their application for in vivo imaging of intracellular processes, and covers recent developments in optical (bioluminescence and fluorescence) imaging in cell biology.

This book is intended for scientists and students involved in basic cell physiology research, as well as industry professionals, engineers, and managers involved in drug discovery and pre-clinical drug development. It discusses the practical aspects of luminescence in vivo imaging for monitoring intracellular processes. While some basic knowledge of biochemistry and biophysics is preferable, the book includes a brief review of fundamental principles to allow those not familiar with these disciplines to grasp basic concepts.

Bioluminescence methods are gaining more and more attention among scientists due to their sensitivity, selectivity, and simplicity, along with the fact that bioluminescence can be monitored both in vitro and in vivo. Since the discovery of bioluminescence in the 18^th century, enzymes involved in the bioluminescence process have been isolated and cloned. The bioluminescent reactions in several different organisms have also been fully characterized and used as reporters in a wide variety of biochemical assays. Discovery of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in 1961 initiated extensive research in the area of the naturally fluorescent proteins. As a result, Martin Chalfie, Osamu Shimomura and Roger Y. Tsien share the 2008 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the work on the discovery of GFP and its application as a tagging tool in bioscience.

From the 1990s it became clear that luminescence can be detected and quantified directly from inside a living cell and, in some cases, from a whole living small animal. This gave rise to numerous possibilities for the in vivo monitoring of intracellular processes non-invasively using bioluminescent molecules and fluorescent proteins as reporters. The number of publications related to bioluminescence and GFP-based in vivo imaging has increased exponentially during recent years, indicating the huge interest and great potential of this technique.

Basics of bioluminescence and fluorescence systems are introduced and explained in the book, together with the principles of their application for in vivo imaging of intracellular processes. This book describes recent developments in optical (bioluminescence and fluorescence) imaging in the area of cell biology. Newly developed imaging methods allow transcriptional/translational regulation, signal transduction, protein-protein interaction, oncogenic transformation, cell and protein trafficking, as well as target drug action that can be monitored in vivo in real time with high temporal and spatial resolution, all providing researchers with priceless information on cellular functions in a timely and cost-effective fashion. Advantages and limitations of these novel luminescent methods are discussed, and possible future developments identified.

This book is intended for scientists and students involved in basic cell physiology research, for industry professionals, engineers, and managers involved in drug discovery and preclinical drug development. It will discuss the practical aspects of luminescence in vivo imaging for monitoring of intracellular processes. While some basic knowledge of biochemistry and biophysics is preferable, the book will include a brief review of fundamental principles that will allow people not familiar with these disciplines to grasp basic concepts.

Lubov Brovko

November 2010