A long Stokes shift red fluorescent Ca2+ indicator protein for two-photon and ratiometric imaging

Nat Commun. 2014 Oct 31:5:5262. doi: 10.1038/ncomms6262.

Abstract

The introduction of calcium ion (Ca(2+)) indicators based on red fluorescent proteins (RFPs) has created new opportunities for multicolour visualization of intracellular Ca(2+) dynamics. However, one drawback of these indicators is that they have optimal two-photon excitation outside the near-infrared window (650-1,000 nm) where tissue is most transparent to light. To address this shortcoming, we developed a long Stokes shift RFP-based Ca(2+) indicator, REX-GECO1, with optimal two-photon excitation at <1,000 nm. REX-GECO1 fluoresces at 585 nm when excited at 480 nm or 910 nm by a one- or two-photon process, respectively. We demonstrate that REX-GECO1 can be used as either a ratiometric or intensiometric Ca(2+) indicator in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (one- and two-photon) and the visual system of albino tadpoles (two-photon). Furthermore, we demonstrate single excitation wavelength two-colour Ca(2+) and glutamate imaging in organotypic cultures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / analysis*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Luminescent Proteins / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Molecular Structure
  • Optical Imaging*
  • Protein Engineering*
  • Protons*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Red Fluorescent Protein

Substances

  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Protons
  • Calcium