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In Vivo Cellular Imaging Using Fluorescent Proteins pp 217–233Cite as

Screening Reef Corals for Novel GFP-Type Fluorescent Proteins by Confocal Imaging

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Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 872))

Abstract

The discovery of multicolored fluorescent proteins (FPs), in reef corals, that are close relatives of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) has led to what is now viewed as the second GFP revolution. Numerous GFP-type proteins, termed “reef FPs,” have been cloned from reef organisms and many possess new colors, novel molecular characteristics, protein chemistry and many display unusual photophysical properties. Although some FPs have certain disadvantageous properties, such as the tendency to oligomerize or have slow maturation rates, reef FPs have been developed into versatile probes for cell biology and imaging applications. Screening of natural sources for novel GFP-type proteins continues to be valuable due to the need to expand the range of spectral colors, brightness, monomeric or dimeric states, faster maturation states, and photoactivity. Confocal imaging, coupled with microspectral detection, provides a rapid technique for in vivo characterization of FPs with desirable spectral and photoactive properties.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Confocal Bio-Imaging Facility (CBIF), School of Science and Health, University of Western Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

    Anya Salih

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  1. Anya Salih
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Correspondence to Anya Salih .

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  1. AntiCancer, Inc., Ostrow Street 7917, San Diego, 92111, California, USA

    Robert M. Hoffman

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Salih, A. (2012). Screening Reef Corals for Novel GFP-Type Fluorescent Proteins by Confocal Imaging. In: Hoffman, R. (eds) In Vivo Cellular Imaging Using Fluorescent Proteins. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 872. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-797-2_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-797-2_15

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-61779-796-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-61779-797-2

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