Abstract

Photoactivatable fluorescent proteins (PAFPs) are molecules that switch to a new fluorescent state in response to specific light activation, and play vital roles in super-resolution imaging. There are three classes of PAFPs: dark-to-bright photoactivators (PAFPs), irreversible photoconverters (PCFPs), and reversible highlighters (RSFP). However, compared to traditional fluorescent proteins (such as GFP or RFP), only limited PAFPs are available for super-resolution microscopy. In previous report, we developed several novel PAFPs, mGeos, with various switching rates, photon numbers and brightness. And based on the crystal structure of green state mEos2, we evolved two truly monomeric and bright RSFPs, mEos3.1 and mEos3.2, with the good photochemical properties including rapid maturation rate, high photon budget and extremely high labeling density. These novel fluorescent proteins are suitable for both single color and dual color (F)PALM/STORM superresolution imaging.

© 2013 Optical Society of America