“Mr. Green Genes” has eyes, gums and tongue that glow a vivid lime green under ultraviolet light, the result of a genetic experiment at the Audubon Centre for Research of Endangered Species in New Orleans.

The experiment was intended to learn whether the enhanced green fluorescence protein gene (which also functions as a marker) could be introduced harmlessly into the feline’s genetic sequence to create a transgenic cat.

If so, it would be the first step in a process that could lead to the development of ways to combat diseases via gene therapy.