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.

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

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.

1.01 | The jellyfish protein that lit up a world of new discoveries

How did the humble jellyfish Aequorea victoria 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 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!

Learn about 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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