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Gene function

Fluorescent proteins learning center

Fluorescent proteins are some of the most valuable cell biology tools, particularly for microscopy and flow cytometry, because they are genomically encoded and provide a direct visual link between a gene and its function. The green fluorescent protein (GFP) was first isolated from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria in the 1960s and first commercialized for research applications by Clontech Laboratories, Inc. (Now Takara Bio USA, Inc.). Since that time we have developed a variety of research tools using mutant forms of fluorescent proteins from other organisms, including mCherry, DsRed, and TdTomato, the most widely used red fluorescent proteins.

Our fluorescent protein quick guide will help you find the right protein for your application by allowing you to survey available options along with their excitation and emission maxima, brightness, and compatible filters.

Learn more and save big on Clontech fluorescent protein vectors

Clontech-brand fluorescent protein vectors: now only $149

Clontech (now Takara Bio USA, Inc.) was the first to bring GFP to market. We commercialized mCherry, DsRed, and tdTomato. We've generated vectors in every color of the rainbow, and now we're bringing you a spectrum of savings. From now through March 31st, you can get any of over 170 fluorescent protein vectors for only $149—just pick your application and choose your vectors.

Cite Discount Quote 35732 when ordering to receive the discount. Offer valid in the US and Canada only through 03.31.20. No other discounts apply.

Offer details Vector information

Fluorescent protein learning center

Vector finder

Use this tool to find a fluorescent protein vector based on color, protein name, or application

Fluorescent protein excitation and emission maxima

Fluorescent protein excitation and emission spectra.

Fluorescent protein antibodies selection guide

Fluorescent protein quick guide

Learn about fluorescent protein properties and applications.

Looking for EGFP vectors? Upgrade to AcGFP1

Find the right AcGFP1 alternative to your EGFP vector

Fluorescent protein antibody citations

Publications demonstrating the use of our antibodies for immunoprecipitation and immunolabeling applications.

Tet-inducible promoter

Kit components for the Tet-On 3G plasmid systems.

Lentiviral vectors

Lentiviral vectors for delivery and stable expression of your gene of interest and a fluorescent protein.

Lentiviral particles

Lentiviral particles for expression of fluorescent proteins.

Adenoviral vectors

The fastest, easiest adenoviral system ever allows direct cloning into adenovirus just like any plasmid.

Retroviral vectors

Highly efficient delivery of fluroescent proteins plus IRES-directed expression.

Verify miRNA expression

View data on verifying miRNA expression via co-expressed fluorescent proteins.

The jellyfish protein that lit up a world of new discoveries

How did a humble jellyfish launch a life science research revolution? It all started when researchers including Osamu Shimomura, Martin Chalfie, and Roger Tsien developed methods to utilize green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a glowing biological reporter in living cells. First commercialized by Clontech Laboratories (now Takara Bio USA, Inc.), GFP has illuminated countless scientific explorations and shed light on many previously dark secrets of biology. That’s Good Science!

Browse all fluorescent proteins

Learn more about our high quality lentiviral particles

Our lentivirus is produced using a unique method resulting in high-purity, super high-titer lentiviral particle preps that lead to superior performance. All preps are provided highly concentrated, at >10⁹ transduction units per ml.

Fluorescent particles Technology overview

Fluorescent protein related links

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