Fluorescence molecular imaging

Abstract

There is a wealth of new fluorescent reporter technologies for tagging of many cellular and subcellular processes in vivo. This imposed contrast is now captured with an increasing number of imaging methods that offer new ways to visualize and quantify fluorescent markers distributed in tissues. This is an evolving field of imaging sciences that has already achieved major advances but is also facing important challenges. It is nevertheless well poised to significantly impact the ways of biological research, drug discovery, and clinical practice in the years to come. Herein, the most pertinent technologies associated with in vivo noninvasive or minimally invasive fluorescence imaging of tissues are summarized. Focus is given to small-animal imaging. However, a spectrum of fluorescence reporters and imaging methods is outlined with broader potential applications to biomedical research and the clinical practice as well. Copyright © 2006 by Annual Reviews. All rights reserved.