GFP Recombinant Proteins 

Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) recombinant proteins are synthetic versions of the naturally occurring GFP derived from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria. GFP is a widely used molecular marker in cell and molecular biology due to its intrinsic fluorescence, which eliminates the need for additional cofactors or substrates. Recombinant GFP proteins are produced via advanced cloning and expression technologies to maintain their functional fluorescence and structural stability.

Structure and Features

• Beta-Barrel Structure: Composed of 11 beta-strands enclosing a central alpha-helix, housing the chromophore responsible for fluorescence.
• Intrinsic Chromophore Formation: Generated via autocatalytic cyclization of specific residues (Ser65, Tyr66, Gly67).
• Fluorescence Spectrum: Excitation at ~395 nm or 475 nm (variant-dependent) with emission at ~509 nm.
• Variants: Engineered versions like EGFP (Enhanced GFP) provide improved brightness, stability, and pH resistance.

Applications of GFP Recombinant Proteins

• Live-Cell Imaging
  • GFP-tagged proteins allow visualization of dynamic cellular processes, including protein localization, trafficking, and interactions.
  • Monitor real-time gene expression and promoter activity.
• Molecular Biology Research
  • Fusion with target proteins facilitates their study in vivo or in vitro.
  • Analyze protein-protein interactions via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET).
• Cell Sorting and Analysis
  • GFP-labeled cells enable sorting using flow cytometry.
  • Track cellular behavior in mixed populations.
• Reporter Systems
  • Used as a marker in reporter gene assays to study transcriptional activity.
  • Serve as a control for transfection efficiency.
• Biotechnological Applications
  • Used in biosensors to detect environmental or intracellular changes (e.g., pH, ion concentration).
  • Incorporated into synthetic biology systems for monitoring engineered pathways.