RFP axolotl

[AxolotlNewb]

Someone was talking about a rfp axolotl... Ive never heard of this but im guessing its "Red Flourescent Protien"

Are they real or is this person dreaming? Lol

 

[auntiejude]

Yes, technically red fluorescent protein does exist. But it is not found in the pet axie population that I have seen. Yet....

All of the fluorescent proteins were originally used for tracking cell development and migration patterns, the most common being green. GFP axies are common in the USA and Canada, but illegal in the rest of the world (mostly) as the come under the rules about genetically modified organisms - you need a research license to own or create them and they are not allowed as pets.

 

[AquaPharm]

The RFP is a mis used term for NFP (Nitro Fluorescing Proteins) Which are a family of genes from plankton that were introduce into axolotl and zebra fish populations starting in 2008. They can range from blue/purple to pink/red. This is similar to GFP and can be present with GFP. They have more of a bioluminescent property to them and offer researchers more contrast under a flouroscope.

One showing NFP only is often referred to as a Purple or Lavender.

Attached is a couple Juvenile NFP/GFP from our colony.

http://www.caudata.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=45446&stc=1&d=1454336100[/IMG][/ATTACH]

 

[AxolotlNewb]

Wow!! Beautiful, so you sell those?

 

[AquaPharm]

We sell primarily for Animal Research, but do also sell some to pet trade. When orders are filled for labs that are using them for studies we do sell the NFP/GFP to pet trade, but the wait list is long (about 40 or so people now). We do also sell ones that are carrying the genes but not showing NFP/GFP for pet trade breeders. We have been doing this for 2 years now so they should be coming into regular availability soon.

 

[LSuzuki]

So are these recessive genes (unlike GFP)?

 

[Gimpdiggity]

Wow!!

They're awesome!

 

[AquaPharm]

So are these recessive genes (unlike GFP)?

Some corrections...
These animals are a genetically modified breed called NFP/GFP which was created in 2002 at the Weizman Institute in Israel to aid in the study regenerative and immune gene therapies. Building upon GFP (Green Fluorescing Protein) the Blue NFP gene (Nitro Fluorescing Protein) from plankton were successful introduced. This recessive genetic combination is only visible in about 20% of offspring and the combination of both NFP and GFP is visible in about 10%. Now in our 3rd generation (NGFP-AF03) of breeding adults this numbers are improving greatly and we hope to see this continue through selective breeding.

 

[PurpleKat]

One showing NFP only is often referred to as a Purple or Lavender.

OK I'm confused. I thought Axanthics are called purple.