The ab initio QM/MM calculations are used to optimize geometry configurations of the chromophore and surrounding residues for the kindling protein asFP595. The time-dependent DFT method is applied to estimate parameters of the S-0-S-1 vertical transition of the chromophore at the protein geometry taking into account effects from the nearest residues. The results of simulations provide a theoretical support to the hypothesis on the possibility of trans-cis izomerization of the chromophore in the mechanism of kindling. The system can absorb light in the trans anion form of the chromophore and emit at longer wavelength in the cis anion form. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.