Image Gallery: Cats that Glow in the Dark

HIV and FIV

Cat

(Image credit: © Ioana Grecu | Dreamstime.com)

The world is currently facing two devastating AIDS pandemics— one in humans, the other in domestic cats. The viruses responsible, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), are highly similar.

As such, researchers have long wanted to genetically experiment with cats to better understand how to combat AIDS. Now scientists have developed a new way to create genetically engineered domestic cats where they modify egg cells directly with viruses. To be able to tell if the cells expressed the inserted genes, the researchers inserted a tag-along fluorescent jellyfish protein. Result: three healthy kittens that glowed green when a blue light was shone on them and transmitted the gene to their offspring.

Glowing Cat

A genetically engineered cat glows.

(Image credit: Mayo Clinic)

Here one of the cats that was genetically engineered to have genes that code for a fluorescent jellyfish protein, which produces the green color, as well as an antiviral restriction factor from a rhesus macaque.

Light-up Claws

Genetically engineered cat claws glow.

(Image credit: Mayo Clinic)

Coat, claws, whiskers, nose, tongue and the inside of the mouth glow green under blue light; fluorescence is quenched in dark fur.

Kitten Glowing

A genetically engineered cat glows.

(Image credit: Mayo Clinic)

Here one of the kittens genetically engineered to express a fluorescent protein.

Glowing Green

A genetically engineered cat glows.

(Image credit: Mayo Clinic)

A 1-month-old kitten that has genes for a jellyfish fluorescent protein along with a rhesus macaque gene (a virus-blocking restriction factor) is shown next to a sleeping adult control

Normal Cats By Day ...

Genetically engineered cats glow.

(Image credit: Mayo Clinic)

Both of the tabby-coated cats (the genetically engineered kitten and the control cat) look the same under normal light.

Healthy Kitties

Genetically engineered cats glow.

(Image credit: Mayo Clinic)

Mating between a transgenic father and mother produced these healthy kittens that also have the genes and make the fluorescent proteins. Dark fur quenches the light such that in the black cat only the claws appear to glow under the blue light. [Learn more fun cat facts, OR check out this Album of Cutest Baby Wild Animals]

Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.