Optimization of pairings and detection conditions for measurement of FRET between cyan and yellow fluorescent proteins

Mark A. Rizzo, Gerald Springer, Katsuhisa Segawa, Warren R. Zipfel, David W. Piston

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

120 Scopus citations

Abstract

Detection of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between cyan and yellow fluorescent proteins is a key method for quantifying dynamic processes inside living cells. To compare the different cyan and yellow fluorescent proteins, FRET efficiencies were measured for a set of the possible donor:acceptor pairs. FRET between monomeric Cerulean and Venus is more efficient than the ECFP:EYFP pair and has a 10% greater Förster distance. We also compared several live cell microscopy methods for measuring FRET. The greatest contrast for changes in intramolecular FRET is obtained using a combination of ratiometric and spectral imaging. However, this method is not appropriate for establishing the presence of FRET without extra controls. Accurate FRET efficiencies are obtained by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, but these measurements are difficult to collect and analyze. Acceptor photobleaching is a common and simple method for measuring FRET efficiencies. However, when applied to cyan to yellow fluorescent protein FRET, this method becomes prone to an artifact that leads to overestimation of FRET efficiency and false positive signals. FRET was also detected by measuring the acceptor fluorescence anisotropy. Although difficult to quantify, this method is exceptional for screening purposes, because it provides high contrast for discriminating FRET.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)238-254
Number of pages17
JournalMicroscopy and Microanalysis
Volume12
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2006

Keywords

  • Anisotropy
  • Confocal microscopy
  • FRET
  • Fluorescence spectral imaging
  • GFP
  • Lifetime imaging
  • Two-photon microscopy

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