Martin Chalfie, heard about the green fluorescent protein for the first time in 1988 at a seminar. During the seminar, Chalfie realised that green fluorescent protein would be a fantastic tool for mapping the roundworm C. elegans. It would act as a glowing green signal for various activities in the roundworm’s cells.
Chalfie succeeded in introducing the gene for GFP into the DNA of the small, almost transparent worm C. elegans. GFP was produced by the cells, giving off its green glow without the need for the addition of any extra components, and without any indication of causing damage to the worms. Subsequent work showed that it was possible to fuse the gene for GFP to genes for other proteins, opening-up a world of possibilities for tracking the localization of specific proteins in living organisms.
The strong green colour of this protein appears under blue and ultraviolet light. It can, for example, illuminate growing cancer tumours; show the development of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain or the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
Warm congratulations to Martin Chalfie, today 70!
Photo: Crystal jelly (Aequorea victoria) taken in the Monterey Bay Aquarium, CA, USA. Author Mnolf,
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