Methods in Enzymology, Vol. 302: Green Fluorescent Protein

P. Michael Conn (Ed.)9780121822033, 0121822036

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has beeneagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today—truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences. One of the most important recent discoveries in science is the green fluorescent protein, isolated from a bioluminescent jellyfish. The gene that codes for this protein is active in any type of cell, from microbes to humans, producing a “day-glo” dye visible as a bright green light in the microscope. The power of the gene is that by using recombinant DNA technology. GFP can be spliced to any protein, essentially painting that protein green. When such a spliced protein is inside a cell. Further, time-lapse microscopy can be used to examine how that protein and the cellular components that it is part of move within the cell during the cell’s life cycle.This Methods in Enzymology volume deals with the utility of green fluorescent protein (GFP). The OVID database (including MEDLINE, Current Contents, and other sources) lists nine references to GFP for the ten-year period 1985-1994. In contrast, in less than four years thereafter, over 500 references are listed, a testament to the rapid growth of interest in this probe. This volume documents many diverse uses for this interesting molecule in disciplines that broadly span biology. The methods presented include shortcuts and conveniences not included in previously published sources. The techniques are described in a context that allows comparisons to other related methodologies-such comparisons are valuable to readers who must adapt existing procedures to new systems. Also, so far as possible, methodologies have been presented in a manner that stresses their general applicability and potential limitations. The volume provides a substantial and current overview of the extant methodology in the field and a view of its rapid development.