GFPfamily

GFPfamily refers to a group of fluorescent proteins that are structurally related to Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP). GFP itself, originally isolated from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria, is a bioluminescent protein that emits green light when excited by blue light. The GFPfamily encompasses a wide array of engineered and naturally occurring variants derived from GFP and other homologous fluorescent proteins. These proteins share a common beta-barrel structure that encapsulates a chromophore responsible for fluorescence.

Scientists have extensively modified the original GFP to create a diverse palette of fluorescent proteins with different colors, including blue, cyan, yellow, and red. These modifications often involve altering the amino acid sequence to shift the excitation and emission spectra. Beyond color variations, other engineered GFPfamily members exhibit enhanced brightness, photostability, or faster maturation times. The applications of GFPfamily proteins are vast and include use as reporters in molecular biology, tracking protein localization and movement within living cells, and as components in biosensors. Their ability to fluoresce without requiring external dyes makes them invaluable tools in research and diagnostics.