Advantages

- Longitudinal Non-invasive Imaging: Real-time tracking and quantitative evaluation of spermatogenesis and recovery processes over time. Drastic reduction in experimental animal numbers and housing/breeding costs
- Superior Tissue Penetration and Quantitative Accuracy: Overcoming depth penetration limits of conventional fluorescent reporters (e.g., Acr-GFP mice) to achieve highly accurate bioluminescent quantification in deep testicular tissue.
- High-Throughput In Vitro Screening Capability: Rapid and large-scale compound screening system utilizing isolated primary spermatogenic cells.

Current Stage and Key Data

Fully established in vivo/in vitro assay systems with proof-of-concept (PoC) validated.
- High Correlation with Spermatogenic Cell Count: Exceptionally high positive correlation between isolated primary spermatogenic cell numbers and bioluminescence intensity.
- Long-term Signal Stability: Stable bioluminescence maintained across aging individuals (over 44 weeks) without background signal fluctuation.
- Quantification of Damage & Recovery Kinetics: Quantitative assessment of dose-dependent suppression and clear distinction between reversible and irreversible testicular damage in local X-ray irradiation models (5 Gy vs. 10 Gy).
- Demonstrated Toxicity Assessment for Compounds: Successful detection of spermatogenic cell reduction and toxic kinetics in response to Trichostatin A (TSA) and Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure.

Partnaring Model

Joint development of preclinical evaluation systems; provision of model mice and cells for evaluation (via MTAs and licenses)

Background and Technology

Traditional preclinical male reproductive toxicity testing relies on mating trials and post-euthanasia histopathology, requiring extensive labor and large animal numbers that hinder the 3Rs principles. Additionally, existing fluorescent reporters lack tissue penetration for continuous in vivo imaging of deep organs like testes. This technology overcomes these limitations by establishing a highly penetrative bioluminescent model (Acr-Luc KI mouse) and its primary cell assay. It offers pharma and biotech companies an innovative platform that streamlines safety evaluation and drug discovery screening.

Principal Investigator

Hisanori Fukunaga (Graduate School of Health Science, Hokkaido University)

Patents and Publications

- Patent pneding
- Information on related literature is included in the materials. Please click the “Iinterested in this technology? [Download Materials]” button below to download and view the materials.