Off the coast of North America drifts a jellyfish that has unknowingly revolutionized molecular biology. Aequorea victoria produces green fluorescent protein (GFP), a substance that adds a green tinge to the jelly’s bioluminescence, which can sometimes be seen around its margins. By inserting a slightly modified version of the GFP gene into the genomes of other organisms, researchers have visualized a stunning range of biological phenomena. But GFP isn’t without flaws. For some uses—for instance, tracking expression of some low-expression genes—the protein just isn’t bright enough.

Luckily, A. victoria isn’t the only organism to produce a fluorescent protein amenable to laboratory use. The tiny European lancelet Branchiostoma lanceolatum, an invertebrate found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, produces a multimeric yellow fluorescent protein called LanYFP. Recently, Shaner et al. modified the protein to make it a green fluorescing monomer, making it a possible stand-in for GFP that could be used with the same microscope filters already used for GFP. Their new protein, dubbed mNeonGreen, isn’t just a new GFP substitute—it’s actually three times brighter than GFP in vitro.

Although their results were a promising first step, Shaner et al. did not determine whether mNeonGreen’s better in vitro fluorescence actually makes a difference in vivo. In the January issue of G3, Hostettler et al. address that question by expressing the protein in Caenorhabditis elegans, a commonly used animal model with a transparent body that makes it particularly suitable for imaging studies.

Their results show the green color produced by mNeonGreen is significantly brighter than GFP in C. elegans, allowing visualization of low-expression genes that can’t be seen using GFP. The group also found that mNeonGreen works well for GFP’s typical applications, from tagging proteins to labelling subcellular compartments, and that the protein is as stable against photodegradation as GFP. These properties will make mNeonGreen a valuable asset to researchers—and in light of this, Hostletter et al. have kindly provided a plasmid set containing the gene for use by researchers everywhere.

CITATION:

Hostettler, L.; Grundy, L.; Käser-Pébernard, S.; Wicky, C.; Schafer, W.; Glauser, D. The Bright Fluorescent Protein mNeonGreen Facilitates Protein Expression Analysis In Vivo.
G3, 7(2), 607-615.
DOI: 10.1534/g3.116.038133
http://www.g3journal.org/content/7/2/607

, ,

Nicole Haloupek is a freelance science writer and a recent graduate of UC Berkeley's molecular and cell biology PhD program.

View all posts by Nicole Haloupek »

Read more in

  • Ed Grell at his dissecting microscope using ether to anesthetize his flies.

    In Memoriam: Ellsworth Herman Grell (1932–2023), a pioneer of Drosophila genome engineering and annotation

    Ellsworth (Ed) Grell blessed the Drosophila community through three enduring legacies: as a pioneer of chromosome mechanics, as a primary organizer and synthesizer of genetic knowledge in Drosophila, and as a graceful mentor to those fortunate to have known him personally. Ed grew up in rural Nebraska, completed his undergraduate studies at Iowa State, and…

  • Congratulations to the #Fungal24 Poster Award winners!

    We are pleased to announce the recipients of the GSA Poster Awards for posters presented at the 32nd Fungal Genetics Conference! Undergraduate and graduate student members of GSA were eligible for the awards, and a hard-working team of judges made the determinations. Congratulations to all! Felicia Ebot Ojong, The University of Georgia My research is focused…

  • Poster presentation tips for TAGC 2024

    You’ve been selected to present a poster at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March—you’ve celebrated, made plans to attend, now what? This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your research and engage with fellow members of the genetics community, so you want to make sure you’re prepared. We wanted to offer you some tips…

  • Maximize your TAGC 2024 experience 

    A guide to all that National Harbor & DC have to offer Are you joining us for The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 in March? Make the most of your #TAGC24 experience in National Harbor! We know the science will keep you busy, but you deserve to unwind and have some fun, so we’ve curated a…

  • Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Sarah Petrosky

    We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Sarah PetroskyMultimedia SubcommitteeUniversity of Pittsburgh Research Interest I am interested in understanding adaptation that has been happening recently in populations by dissecting the ways that genes underlying an adaptation…

  • TAGC 2024 Early Career Award Winners

    GSA is pleased to announce the winners of the early career awards presented at The Allied Genetics Conference 2024. These awards are specific to particular TAGC communities and recognize early career scientists’ outstanding work on their respective research organisms. The awardees will present their talks in keynote sessions at TAGC 2024.  Don’t miss the opportunity…

  • Preeminent geneticists recognized with revamped GSA Awards

    In 2022, GSA’s Board of Directors launched an audit to review the five major awards conferred by the Society. Today, we are thrilled to announce the recipients of the reimagined GSA Awards, including the new Genetics Society of America Early Career Medal. The scientists honored this year are recognized by their peers for their outstanding…

  • Fly Board funds outreach programs to spread the word about Drosophila research

    In 2020, the Fly Board voted to use part of its reserve fund to support efforts to increase trainee participation as well as equity and diversity in the Drosophila community. An awards committee decides how the money will be spent each year, and from 2020–2022, the committee posted a very broad call for applications from…

  • New members of the GSA Board of Directors: 2024–2026

    We are pleased to announce the election of four new leaders to the GSA Board of Directors: 2024 Vice President/2025 President Brenda Andrews Professor, University of Toronto It’s an honor to continue my association with the Society by serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors. I have broad knowledge of the ongoing activities…

  • A rose-ringed parakeet, one of three parrot species used in the study.

    Parrot plumage study aids breeders and endangered natural populations

    Yellow coloration is maladaptive in the wild but prized by breeders. People have long been fascinated with birds, which exhibit one of the widest ranges of coloration among vertebrates. Parrots, in particular, have captivated humans by their ability to mimic human speech and spectacular plumage. Brightly colored feathers are used primarily to attract mates, intimidate…

  • Early Career Leadership Spotlight: Sarah Gilmour

    We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates. Sarah GilmourMultimedia SubcommitteeStowers Institute for Medical Research Research Interest Questions of evolution have always fascinated me. I am extremely fortunate to be starting out my research career in a…