What amino acid substitution changed GFP to YFP?
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Amino Acid Substitution from GFP to YFP
The transformation of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) into Yellow Fluorescent Protein (YFP) is a fascinating example of how a single amino acid substitution can significantly alter the spectral properties of a protein. This change is primarily attributed to the substitution of a serine (S) at position 65 with a threonine (T), often denoted as S65T.
In addition to the S65T mutation, further modifications have been made to enhance the brightness and stability of YFP variants. These include the T203Y mutation, which shifts the emission spectrum towards the yellow region, making the protein emit yellow fluorescence.
The transition from GFP to YFP through these mutations has been a cornerstone in the development of fluorescent proteins for biological imaging, allowing for the visualization of various cellular processes in real-time with high specificity and sensitivity.
For more detailed information, the original research and subsequent studies can be found in scientific publications such as Heim et al., 1998.