Use of GFP for in vivo imaging: concepts and misconceptions

Robert M. Hoffman

doi:10.1117/12.774181

13 February 2008 Use of GFP for in vivo imaging: concepts and misconceptions

Robert M. Hoffman

Proceedings Volume 6868, Small Animal Whole-Body Optical Imaging Based on Genetically Engineered Probes; 68680E (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.774181
Event: SPIE BiOS, 2008, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

Although GFP and fluorescent proteins are used extensively for in vivo imaging, there are many misconceptions about GFP imaging especially compared to luciferase. GFP is not toxic, indeed, transgenic animals with GFP expressed in every cell (1) live as long as non-transgenic animals. Cancer cells with GFP are as aggressive and malignant as the cells without GFP (2-4). Cell lines can be made very bright with fluorescent proteins with no toxicity. The in vivo signal from fluorescent proteins is at least 1,000 times greater than luciferase (5). GFP is so bright that a single molecule of GFP can be seen in a bacterium (6). GFP can be observed through the skin on deep organs (7). Skin autofluorescence presents no problem for in vivo GFP imaging with proper filters (8). Fur can be rapidly clipped removing this autofluorescence (9). GFP is readily quantified by the image area which correlates to tumor volume (10). There are now numerous clones of GFP, RFP, YFP and proteins that change color (11) that can be used in vivo.

Citation Download Citation

Robert M. Hoffman "Use of GFP for in vivo imaging: concepts and misconceptions", Proc. SPIE 6868, Small Animal Whole-Body Optical Imaging Based on Genetically Engineered Probes, 68680E (13 February 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.774181

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available