Bright monomeric near-infrared fluorescent proteins engineered from bacterial phytochromes and methods for making same

Abstract

Nucleic acid molecules encoding monomeric near-infrared fluorescent proteins, variants and derivatives thereof are provided, as well as proteins and peptides encoded by these nucleic acids. Also provided are proteins that are substantially similar to, or derivatives, homologues, or mutants of, the above-referenced specific proteins. Also provided are fragments of the nucleic acids and the peptides encoded thereby, specifically split fluorescent proteins. In addition, host-cells, stable cell lines and transgenic organisms comprising above-referenced nucleic acid molecules are provided. The invention also refers to methods of making and using monomeric fluorescent proteins derived from bacterial phytochromes. The subject protein and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of different applications and methods, particularly for labeling of biomolecules, cells or cell organelles, and for detecting protein-protein interactions. Finally, kits for use in such methods and applications are provided.