GFP transgenic animals in biomedical research: a review of potential disadvantages

Physiol Res. 2019 Aug 29;68(4):525-530. doi: 10.33549/physiolres.934227. Epub 2019 Jul 25.

Abstract

Green Fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic animals are accepted tools for studying various physiological processes, including organ development and cell migration. However, several in vivo studies claimed that GFP may impair transgenic animals' health. Glomerulosclerosis was observed in transgenic mice and rabbits with ubiquitous reporter protein expression. Heart-specific GFP expression evoked dilated cardiomyopathy and altered cardiac function in transgenic mouse and zebrafish lines, respectively. Moreover, growth retardation and increased axon swelling were observed in GFP and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) transgenic mice, respectively. This review will focus on the potential drawbacks of the applications of GFP transgenic animals in biomedical research.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Genetically Modified / genetics*
  • Biomedical Research / methods
  • Biomedical Research / trends*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Rabbits
  • Zebrafish

Substances

  • Green Fluorescent Proteins