Green fluorescent protein (GFP) (GFP)

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) is a 238-amino acid protein originally isolated from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria that exhibits bright green fluorescence when exposed to blue or ultraviolet light [2][4]. It serves as a fundamental research tool in molecular and cellular biology, primarily functioning as a reporter of gene expression and a protein tag for visualizing intracellular dynamics [1][11]. The protein's fluorescence is derived from an internal chromophore formed by the spontaneous cyclization and oxidation of a Ser65-Tyr66-Gly67 tripeptide [2][8]. While GFP is not a therapeutic target, it is widely used in drug discovery and disease modeling to monitor the expression of therapeutic genes and the localization of target proteins [1][9]. Interestingly, some small-molecule drugs like osimertinib and afatinib have been identified as disruptors that quench GFP fluorescence, providing a novel method to monitor drug diffusion in tissues [3]. Despite its utility, the use of GFP in mammalian systems can lead to safety issues such as potential immunogenicity, oxidative stress, and the induction of apoptosis at high expression levels [12][13].

Other names

avGFPAequorea victoria green fluorescent proteinEnhanced green fluorescent proteinEGFPReporter gene gfp

GFP acts as a fluorescent reporter and does not have a therapeutic mechanism of action; however, certain covalent kinase inhibitors such as osimertinib and afatinib can irreversibly disrupt its fluorescence, which has been utilized to track drug penetration in tumor models [3].