Side-by-Side Systematic Characterization of Novel FPs in Budding Yeast

Fluorescent proteins (FPs) have become indispensable to biological research. Since the discovery of the first FP, Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein (avGFP), new fluorescent proteins have been continuously being developed. To achieve optimal experimental results, selecting an FP based on specific characteristics─such as brightness, photostability, photochromicity, monomericity, pH robustness, and fluorescence lifetime─is essential. However, a thorough side-by-side comparison of these characteristics is missing for the latest generation of FPs. Here, we provide a comprehensive characterization in yeast of the most recently developed FPs, including FPs that were codon-optimized for yeast. We believe that this provides an excellent compendium for choosing the most suitable FP for research purposes.