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.