Application of bioluminescence for cell tracking and inflammatory processes: in vitro and in vivo study

• Grant number: 20/07649-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: May 01, 2021
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Eliana Aparecida de Rezende Duek
• Grantee: Vanessa Rezende Bevilaqua
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas e da Saúde (FCMS). Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP). Sorocaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 10/05426-8 - Arthropod bioluminescence: biological diversity in Brazilian biomes, biochemical origin, structural/functional evolution of luciferases, molecular differentiation of lanterns, biotechnological, environmental and educational applications, AP.TEM
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/02482-4 - Use of a blue-shifted luciferase for intracellular pH analysis and temperature sensing in mitochondria, BE.EP.PD

Abstract

The bioluminescent reporter genes that encode luciferases are among the most sensitive and frequently used to monitor non-invasively cellular processes, in real time. Unlike fluorescent reporter genes such as GFP, which have disadvantages such as autoabsorption of irradiated light, autofluorescence and phototoxicity, bioluminescent reporter genes have the advantage of producing their own light through the expression of luciferase enzymes that catalyze the bioluminescent oxidation of substrates known as luciferins. Reporter genes are employed for a variety of purposes, including Bioluminescence Imaging (BLI) of processes such as cell differentiation and growth and testing on animal models that have helped the pharmaceutical industry test drugs, reducing statistical bias and sequential animal sacrifice. The use of BLI has also been used to screen cells of the immune system. Bioluminescent reporter genes have been used to accompany tissue regeneration and repair processes by monitoring mesenchymal stem cells administered in injured areas that have been shown to assist in the process. In order to advance the studies related to skin regeneration, in this project we plan to produce bioluminescent cell lines from mesenchymal stem cells, using beetle luciferase reporter genes, to monitor mammalian cells in regeneration and tissue growth processes in biomaterials, and associated inflammation processes. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

BEVILAQUA, VANESSA R.; PELENTIR, GABRIEL F.; HAUSEN, MOEMA A.; DUEK, ELIANA A. R.; VIVIANI, VADIM R.. Selection and Engineering of Novel Brighter Bioluminescent Reporter Gene and Color- Tuning Luciferase for pH-Sensing in Mammalian Cells. BIOSENSORS-BASEL, v. 15, n. 1, p. 13-pg., 2025-01-01. (22/03538-0, 22/04800-0, 17/22262-8, 20/09917-8, 20/07649-6)