The GCaMP-R Family of Genetically Encoded Ratiometric Calcium Indicators

Abstract

We report on GCaMP-Rs, a new family of genetically encoded ratiometric calcium indicators that extend the virtues of the GCaMP proteins to ratiometric measurements. We have engineered a tandem construct of calcium-dependent GCaMP and calcium-independent mCherry fluorescent proteins. The tandem design assures that the two proteins localize in the same cellular compartment(s) and facilitates pixelwise ratiometric measurements; however, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the fluorophores reduces brightness of the sensor by up to half (depending on the GCaMP variant). To eliminate FRET, we introduced a rigid α-helix, the ER/K helix, between GCaMP and mCherry. Avoiding FRET significantly increases the brightness (notably, even at low calcium concentrations), the signal-to-noise ratio, and the dynamic range.