61 results about "Bioluminescence imaging" patented technology

The present invention provides an “in vivo and in vitro real-time bioluminescence imaging means,” which can transmit a detection signal promptly in response to an external signal, while taking advantage of a single-molecule-format luminescent probe as a bioluminescent means.The present invention is characterized by using, as a single-molecule-format luminescent probe utilizing the increase and decrease of a second messenger level as an index, a fusion protein including a single-chain protein containing a second messenger recognition protein and optionally a peptide which is capable of binding with the protein, and linked respectively to the N-terminus and the C-terminus thereto, an N-terminal fragment (N-LE) and a C-terminal fragment (C-LE) generated by dissecting a luminescent enzyme (LE). A single-molecule-format luminescent probe could be provided, which makes it possible to observe light emission (extinction) in vivo as well as in vitro, as a result of a conformational change of the second messenger recognition protein induced by the binding (unbinding) with a second messenger, and the subsequent association or dissociation between the N-LE and the C-LE flanked at both termini of the recognition protein.

A system and methods for generating 3D images (24) from 2D bioluminescent images (22) and visualizing tumor locations are provided. A plurality of 2D bioluminescent images of a subject are acquired during a complete revolution of an imaging system about a subject, using any suitable bioluminescent imaging system. After imaging, the 2D images are registered (20) according to the rotation axis to align each image and to compensate for differences between adjacent images. After registration (20), corresponding features are identified between consecutive sets of 2D image (22). For each corresponding feature identified in each set of 2D images an orthographic projection model (24) is applied, such that rays are projected through each point in the feature. The intersection point of the rays are plotted in a 3D image of a tumor is generated. The 3D image can be registered with a reference image of the subject, so that the shape and location of the tumor can be precisely visualized with respect to the subject.

The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer. The nanoparticle has a range of diameters including between about 0.1 nm and about 100 nm, between about 0.5 nm and about 50 nm, between about 1 nm and about 25 nm, between about 1 nm and about 15 nm, or between about 1 nm and about 8 nm. The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound. The nanoparticle also exhibits high biostability and biocompatibility. To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo. In order to target a specific cell type, the nanoparticle may further be conjugated to a ligand, which is capable of binding to a cellular component associated with the specific cell type, such as a tumor marker. In one embodiment, a therapeutic agent may be attached to the nanoparticle. To permit the nanoparticle to be detectable by not only optical fluorescence imaging, but also other imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computerized tomography (CT), bioluminescence imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radionuclides / radiometals or paramagnetic ions may be conjugated to the nanoparticle.

A mammal dedicated cell line is provided, which is a HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2 / NF-kB / Luc / sr39tk)1_18 obtained by co-transformation with NF-kB / Luc and NF-kB / sr39tk. Firstly, a successfully transformed pNF-kB / Luc HepG2 cell is obtained. Then, a dedicated cell line sensitive to TPA and MTX is generated by experimental screening Next, a plasmid construct carrying pNF-kB / sr39tk genome is introduced into the dedicated cell line by means of Superfect protocol. Finally, a HepG2 cell line co-expressing NF-kB / Luc and NF-kB / sr39tk is screened with G418 and ZEOCIN, and transformation result is confirmed by luminescence and radio activity. The (HepG2 / NF-kB / Luc / sr39tk)1_18 obtained is suitable to screen drug for treating liver cancer and examine these cells by bioluminescence imaging and nuclear medicine imaging.