Whole-body optical imaging of gene expression and uses thereof
DC CAFCFirst Claim
Patent Images
1. A method to monitor the ability of a promoter to promote expression in an animal of an endogenous gene that is controlled by said promoter, which method comprises:
- a) delivering, to an animal, cells containing a nucleic acid encoding a fluorophore operatively linked to the promoter of said endogenous gene whose ability to promote expression is to be analyzed; and
b) observing the presence, absence or intensity of the fluorescence generated by said fluorophore at various locations in said animal by whole-body external fluorescent optical imaging, whereby the ability of said promoter to promote expression is monitored, and wherein said fluorophore is a protein that is autofluorescent such that no substrates or cofactors are needed for it to fluoresce.
1 Assignment
Litigations
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to the whole-body external optical imaging of gene expression. Specifically, methods for whole-body external optical imaging of gene expression and methods for evaluating a candidate protocol or drug for treating diseases or disorders using a fluorophore operatively linked to the promoter of a gene and external optical imaging are provided herein. Methods to screen for substances or genes that regulate target promoters are also provided.
53 Citations
13 Claims
-
1. A method to monitor the ability of a promoter to promote expression in an animal of an endogenous gene that is controlled by said promoter, which method comprises:
-
a) delivering, to an animal, cells containing a nucleic acid encoding a fluorophore operatively linked to the promoter of said endogenous gene whose ability to promote expression is to be analyzed; and
b) observing the presence, absence or intensity of the fluorescence generated by said fluorophore at various locations in said animal by whole-body external fluorescent optical imaging, whereby the ability of said promoter to promote expression is monitored, and wherein said fluorophore is a protein that is autofluorescent such that no substrates or cofactors are needed for it to fluoresce. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
-
Specification