Axolotls are fascinating salamanders with the ability to regenerate lost limbs, making them popular subjects of scientific study. What's even more intriguing is their extra feature; when exposed to UV lighting they glow a vibrant green and this trait caused by jellyfish genes allows researchers to better observe internal processes within an Axolotl.
The GFP Axolotl has been genetically engineered to express green fluorescent protein in its cells, giving it a glowing appearance in certain types of lighting conditions. Aequorea Victoria jellyfish produce this green fluorescent protein that emits bright green lights when exposed to certain wavelengths of light; Osamu Shimomura first discovered it back in 1960. Today it's used by researchers and physicians alike to visualize cell structures.
GFP axolotls appear similar to any other morph at first glance, but when exposed to UV lighting they flash with brilliant green. This trait allows scientists to study many aspects of an axolotl's body including organs and muscles; GFP axolotls also serve as valuable models for tracking tumor development and growth.
In this experiment, white GFP+ transgenic axolotl grafts of both cranial and trunk neural folds were orthotopically transplanted orthotopically into host axolotls that had their neural crest removed. Two to four days post-grafting, their distribution under fluorescence optics was monitored; two days post-grafting the distribution of GFP+ label was examined using fluorescence optics; these results indicate that their host recognizes and responds appropriately by showing similar mesenchymal cell differentiation patterns of mesenchyme.
