Development of Reporter Mice Models for Preclinical Screening of Drug

The research group of Professor Rune Blomhoff at the University of Oslo has recently established an in vivo molecular imaging model (e.g. transgenic mice carrying NF-kB, ARE, DR5 or GCS regulated luciferase reporter) aimed at identifying factors affecting relevant gene regulation in vivo in a physiological or pathological setting. The transgenic mice express luciferase driven by three NF-kB response elements. Thus, NF-kB activation can be assessed in living animals using luciferase as a reporter. The luci ferase-derived luminescence is strongly regulated in response to classical inducers and modulators of NF-kB. Also UVB radiation and chronic inflammation give strong NF-kB dependent luminescence in the affected regions. As NF-kB is involved in a number of diseases, this model is a valuable tool for studying NF-kB regulation in conditions where NF-kB is a key player. We now apply for a research fellow to work in the Blomhoff lab. The project deals both with development of the Molecular Imaging technology a s well as the development of mice models. The research fellow will also collaborate with scientists in the newly funded "Network of Excellence" within the 6th EU framework, called DiMi, where the Blomhoff lab is deeply involved in the organization of the “Molecular Imaging of Inflammation” work package. This network consist of the most experienced imaging specialist in Europe (including clinical imaging), and will allow the research fellow to have direct access to front-line expertise within the field.