Why is EGFP better than GFP?

Comparison between EGFP and GFP

Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (EGFP) is a variant of the original Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), derived from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria. EGFP has been engineered for improved characteristics over the wild-type GFP, making it more suitable for various applications in molecular and cellular biology. Below are the key reasons why EGFP is considered better than GFP:

• Brighter Fluorescence: EGFP has been modified to have a higher fluorescence quantum yield compared to GFP, making it brighter and more easily detectable.
• Improved Stability: EGFP exhibits greater thermal and pH stability, which enhances its performance in a wider range of experimental conditions.
• More Efficient Expression in Mammalian Cells: Modifications in EGFP include codon optimization, which allows for more efficient expression in mammalian cells, a common system for biological research.
• Reduced Aggregation: EGFP tends to form fewer aggregates in cells compared to GFP, leading to more accurate localization studies and reduced cellular toxicity.
• Faster Maturation: EGFP matures more quickly than GFP, meaning it folds into its fluorescent form faster after being produced in cells. This is crucial for real-time monitoring of gene expression.

These enhancements make EGFP a preferred choice for fluorescent tagging in various biological and medical research applications, offering more reliable and versatile use than the original GFP.