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In vivo imaging of Escherichia coli and Lactococcus lactis in murine intestines using a reporter luciferase gene

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Abstract

A recombinant DNA, pMG36e::luc+ (5.3 kb), was constructed and transferred to Escherichia coli MC1061 and Lactococcus lactis MG1363 for in vivo imaging of the bacteria in murine intestines. E. coli MC1061 (pMG36e::luc+) and L. lactis MG1363 (pMG36e::luc+) displayed luciferase activities in vitro, where the bioluminescent signal of the E. coli was much stronger than that of the L. lactis by approximately 100-fold. These 2 recombinant bacteria were orally administered into rats. The bioluminescent signals of the E. coli and L. lactis in the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts of rats were detected and maintained up to 2 h via whole body imaging, indicating that the luciferase gene expression system for bacteria could be applied for in vivo imaging.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology, Chungju National University, Jeungpyeong, Chungbuk, 368-701, Korea

    Gi-Seong Moon

  2. Division of Bio-Imaging, Chuncheon Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Chuncheon, Gangwon, 200-701, Korea

    Mi-Sook Lee

  3. Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Department of Basic Oriental Medical Science, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 130-701, Korea

    Mi-Sook Lee

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  1. Mi-Sook Lee
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  2. Gi-Seong Moon
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Correspondence to Gi-Seong Moon.

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Lee, MS., Moon, GS. In vivo imaging of Escherichia coli and Lactococcus lactis in murine intestines using a reporter luciferase gene. Food Sci Biotechnol 21, 917–920 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-012-0120-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-012-0120-3

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