Blue Flourescent Protein & Others

[Austin]

I have researched much about GFP and its characteristics, and stumbled upon other flourescent proteins. These other proteins have the same makeup and qualities as GFP. There are also Blue Flourescent Protein [BFP] and Yellow Flourescent Protein [YFP]. YFP being a derivative of GFP.
So, wouldn't humans also be able to create BFP/YFP Axolotls, just like GFP Axolotls? I don't see why not, since BFP, YFP, and GFP have the same basic structure and properties.
It would be very awesome if the university who created the GFP Axolotls could also test with BFP/YFP.

[Rodrigo]

Why would they do that?
GFP axolotls were developed as a tool in the laboratory. They have an important role to play in certain types of research. If the other types of fluorescent protein are not required for research, no laboratory is going to waste funds and time to produce them just so that people can get a kick out of a novelty and subject their animals to abuse.
I realise you just think GFP are cool and would like to see the other colours....however, the existence of GFP axolotls in the hobby is bad enough...let alone different fancy colours...

[Neil C]

I seem to remember reading on here somewhere about a red flouresecent protein which had been introduced into axolotls in maybe a German laboratory (not sure this would be allowed in the EU) but it ring a bell with me.


Regards Neil

[Dolores]

I've read something about Red Fluorescent Protein as well. Don't remember if it had anything to do with axies.

[Jennewt]

The GFP axolotl was made in a lab for research purposes, and was never intended to end up in the pet trade. Most researchers would consider it highly unethical to turn over a transgenic animal for such purposes. There is an RFP axolotl, but it's unlikely it will ever be seen outside of professional labs. So all these mutants are possible, but they almost certainly won't be available as pets... until you set up your own lab and make them.

[Brandon]

Would the rfp mentioned have anything to do with copper axolotls and the red coloration of their eye rings ? The little I know of coppers is that they are German and this has raised a few questions with me now.

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[Jenste]

To me this is along the same thread as dyed fish and frogs = cruel and completely unnecessary.






None of these abominations are natural. They have been dipped in acid to remove their slime coat then dipped in dye, injected with dye, or tattooed just to make someone walk by the tank and go "ooooh! purty!" and buy the animal on a whim with out first establishing a tank suitable for the needs of the decorated pet.

These are bought to be living ornaments/decorations and little more.

[Austin]

Originally Posted by Azhael

Why would they do that?
GFP axolotls were developed as a tool in the laboratory. They have an important role to play in certain types of research. If the other types of fluorescent protein are not required for research, no laboratory is going to waste funds and time to produce them just so that people can get a kick out of a novelty and subject their animals to abuse.
I realise you just think GFP are cool and would like to see the other colours....however, the existence of GFP axolotls in the hobby is bad enough...let alone different fancy colours...

I don't view it as a waste of money or time, or done with the intent of producing a novelty. I view it as a learning experience with these exceptional proteins and their interactions with organisms.
I agree that the administration of these proteins is abusive, with the amputation and all. I do take your side on being against all the fancy colors in Axolotls. It's destroying the species' genetics and defying nature, for aesthetical pleasure.
I don't mean to argue, I'm just curious about these proteins.

[Rodrigo]

I fully agree the proteins themselves are fascinating, the problem is that in research there are very strict rules of what´s acceptable in what circumstances and what´s not (VERY strict rules....). Producing a variety of transgenic axolotls because they would be interesting is not covered under those rules as acceptable. You need to demonstrate a net gain from that research other than satisfying your curiosity or just learning more about the protein (since you can probably learn all you need by putting it on bacteria).
So, i understand your interest, but those transgenic axolotls shouldn´t (and won´t) be produced by any laboratory unless there is sufficient justification for research. If that happens, i hope they never reach the hobby...