Blue protein with red fluorescence
Abstract
Recently it has been observed that the North American walleye is turning blue. The increased blue color is an adaptation to increased exposure to UV radiation. We identified that the blue pigment (Sandercyanin) is a complex of a protein and biliverdin—a breakdown product of heme. We report here that the blue pigment shows bright red fluorescence when excited with UV light. Elucidation of crystal structures and spectral properties of Sandercyanin lead us to hypothesize that the protection to damaging UV radiation happens by absorption of the UV light and its emission in the lower energy red wavelength. Interestingly, one can think of a number of applications where ligand-induced red fluorescent proteins can be useful.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- October 2016
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1525622113
- Bibcode:
- 2016PNAS..11311513G