Polyethylenimine-mediated expression of transgenes in the acinar cells of rats salivary glands in vivo

Ligand targeting and peptide functionalized polymers as non-viral carriers for gene therapy

Ligand targeting and peptide functionalized polymers serve as gene carriers for efficient gene delivery.

Intravital microscopy in mammalian multicellular organisms

Imaging subcellular processes in live animals is no longer a dream. The development of Intravital Subcellular Microscopy (ISMic) combined with the astounding repertoire of available mouse models makes it possible to investigate processes such as membrane trafficking in mammalian living tissues under native conditions. This has provided the unique opportunity to answer questions that cannot be otherwise addressed in reductionist model systems and to link cell biology to tissue pathophysiology.

Imaging membrane remodeling during regulated exocytosis in live mice

In this mini-review we focus on the use of time-lapse light microscopy to study membrane remodeling during protein secretion in live animals. In particular, we highlight how subcellular intravital microscopy has enabled imaging the dynamics of both individual secretory vesicles and the plasma membrane, during different steps in the exocytic process. This powerful approach has provided us with the unique opportunity to unravel the role of the actin cytoskeleton in regulating this process under physiological conditions, and to overcome the shortcomings of more reductionist model systems.