Green Fluorescent Protein: discover, structure, purification, applications, and future prospects

Abstract

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) Firstly discovered from the jellyfish Aequorea victoriaand it was widely used in biological science as a universal fluorescent tag. Many scientists have focused their efforts on the identification and development of fluorescent proteins with novel characteristics and enhanced properties, to be used for visualization of structural organization and dynamic processes in living cells. The discovery of green fluorescent protein (GFP) followed by purification and elucidation of its molecular structure introduced a new and promising marker for biological studies. GFP is intrinsically fluorescent, has low toxicity, pH and heat stability and is easily imaged and quantified. This review article focuses on the discovery, diversity of fluorescent patterns and colors, other fluorescent protein, purification, structure, properties, and numerous applications of GFP in biological research such as in vivo imaging of cancer, promoter and protein fusion constructs, biosensors, Ex vivo imaging, and imaging the efficacy of therapeutics.