Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)

PBD# 1GFL

GFP is found in Aequorea victoria, a jellyfish in the North Pacific. This protein is comprised of a “β-can,” which means it has a cylinder shape made up of 11 strands of β-sheet with an internal αhelix and short α-helices on the ends of the cylinder. This protein has biochemical significance because it emits light when shown light. When GFP is exposed to blue light (395 nm) it emits a green light (509 nm). Researchers have been able to create transgenic organisms that express GFP in whatever part of the organism being observed. GFP is conveniently able to fold by itself with no additional steps to make it fluoresce. Just attach this protein to what you want to observe and shine UV light on it, thus eliminating the need for staining processes. Since its discovery, GFP has been engineered to emit different colors. The resulting mutants of GFP can now fluoresce in blue and yellow. This protein has also been put to use as biosensors, glowing when detecting the presence of specific ions or pH changes.

Picture of GFP:

Applications of GFP have also spread into animal breeding for pets and art. The artist Eduardo Kac has created a transgenic bunny which he has titled “Alba.” Alba is an albino rabbit that glows green when exposed to blue light (488 nm). Breeders of pets are also exploring the applications of GFP to the point where now you can purchase fluorescent fish and plants. However, there is significant controversy regarding the safety and morality of genetically engineered pets.

Alba the fluorescent bunny: