Review

Intravital imaging of cell signaling in mice

Volume 1, Issue 1   July/August/September 2012
Pages 2 - 10
http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/intv.20802
Keywords: biosensors, imaging windows, intravital imaging, mice, two photon microscopy
Authors: Laila Ritsma, Bas Ponsioen and Jacco van Rheenen

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Abstract:
Cell signaling is mostly studied in in vitro 2D-cell culture models that lack the complex in vivo environment provided by neighboring cells, soluble secreted factors and non-cellular matrix components. Given that many environmental factors control cell signaling, it comes as no surprise that in vitro observations often poorly correlate with in vivo observations. Recent developments in intravital imaging techniques have made it possible to visualize and study cell signaling in individual cells within living animals. Here, we review intravital imaging techniques based on fluorescence microscopy and give examples of how these techniques are being used to study cell signaling.

Received: April 26, 2012; Accepted: May 17, 2012

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