Notes: A dual luciferase reporter assay for Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative pathogen of Lyme disease, is described. A single vector system with Renilla and firefly luciferase was developed. Promoter activities for multiple genes were assessed in this system during both in vitro growth and in infected ticks. The ViviRen™ In Vivo Renilla Luciferase Substrate was used to monitor pathogen dissemination and promoter activities in live mice. (5142)

Notes: Multiple myeloma cells show strong susceptibility to vaccinia virus. Here, a modified vaccinia virus with the essential viral gene B5R regulated by let-7 microRNA is used to specifically target cancer cells. Wild-type virus lead to mouse death via viral toxicity. Regulated vaccinia virus led to tumor regression and remained localized to the myeloma site in mice. Viral and tumor localization was imaged in live mice using the ONE-Glo™ Luciferase Assay System and ViviRen™ In Vivo Renilla Luciferase Substrate, respectively. (5141)

Notes: This study investigates the biological roles of plasmin, a fibrinolytic factor, in multiple myeloma using mouse models. Tumors were imaged using the ViviRen™ In Vivo Renilla Luciferase Substrate. Activation of plasmin was observed during disease progression; however, inhibition of circulating plasmin did not change myeloma tumor growth in vivo. (5143)