University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc

Woods Hole Oceanographic' Institution

Columbia University

Douglas Prasher

Milton J Cormier

Martin Chalfie

Green fluorescent protein

A gene which codes for the protein apoaequorin is disclosed along with recombinant DNA vectors containing this gene. Homogeneous peptides having the bioluminescence properties of natural, mixed apoaeqorin are also disclosed.

Recombinant DNA vectors capable of expressing apoaequorin

A gene which codes for the protein apoaequorin is disclosed along with recombinant DNA vectors containing this gene. Homogeneous peptides having the bioluminescence properties of natural, mixed apoaequorin are also disclosed.

The present invention encompasses modified apoaequorin nucleotide and amino acid sequences capable of emitting light in the presence of luciferin and a light-triggering cation such as Ca.sup.2+, which possess bioluminescent activity greater than unmodified apoaequorin and methods of use therefore.

Modified apoaequorin having increased bioluminescent activity

This invention provides a cell comprising a DNA molecule having a regulatory element from a gene, other than a gene encoding a green-fluorescent protein operatively linked to a DNA sequence encoding the green-fluorescent protein. This invention also provides a method for selecting cells expressing a protein of interest which comprises: a. introducing into the cells a DNAI molecule having DNA sequence encoding the protein of interest and DNAII molecule having DNA sequence encoding a green-fluorescent protein; b. culturing the introduced cells in conditions permitting expression of the green-fluorescent protein and the protein of interest; and c. selecting the cultured cells which express green-fluorescent protein, thereby selecting cells expressing the protein of interest. Finally, this invention provides various uses of a green-fluorescent protein.

Uses of green-fluorescent protein

A gene which codes for the protein apoaequorin is disclosed alone with recombinant DNA vectors containing this gene. Homogeneous peptides having the bioluminescence properties of natural, mixed apoaeqorin are also disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

East Falmouth, MA, United States of America

Douglas Prasher