Nucleic acid compositions encoding rapidly maturing fluorescent proteins,
as well as non-aggregating versions thereof (and mutants thereof) as well
as the proteins encoding the same, are provided. The proteins of interest
are proteins that are fluorescent, where this feature arises from the
interaction of two or more residues of the protein. The subject proteins
are further characterized in that, in certain embodiments, they are
mutants of wild type proteins that are obtained either from
non-bioluminescent Cnidarian, e.g., Anthozoan, species or are obtained
from Anthozoan non-Pennatulacean (sea pen) species. In certain
embodiments, the subject proteins are mutants of wild type Discosoma sp.
"red" fluorescent protein. Also of interest are proteins that are
substantially similar to, or mutants of, the above specific proteins.
Also provided are fragments of the nucleic acids and the peptides encoded
thereby, as well as antibodies to the subject proteins and transgenic
cells and organisms. The subject protein and nucleic acid compositions
find use in a variety of different applications. Finally, kits for use in
such applications, e.g., that include the subject nucleic acid
compositions, are provided.
