What is the difference between mCherry and mKate2?

Differences between mCherry and mKate2

mCherry and mKate2 are both fluorescent proteins widely used in biological imaging and molecular biology research. Despite their common use in fluorescence microscopy and other imaging techniques, they have distinct properties that make them suitable for different applications.

Origin

mCherry is derived from the protein mRFP1, which itself is an engineered version of the red fluorescent protein from the coral Discosoma sp. mKate2, on the other hand, is a far-red fluorescent protein that was developed from the wild-type protein eqFP578, found in the sea anemone Entacmaea quadricolor.

Emission Spectrum

mCherry emits in the red spectrum with a peak at approximately 610 nm, making it visible as a bright red fluorescence. mKate2 emits in the far-red spectrum with a peak emission at around 635 nm, which is closer to the infrared spectrum and can penetrate deeper into biological tissues.

Brightness and Photostability

mCherry is known for its high brightness and good photostability, making it suitable for various imaging applications. mKate2 is even brighter and more photostable than mCherry, which allows for longer imaging sessions and deeper tissue penetration without significant loss of signal.

Applications

Due to its emission properties, mCherry is often used in applications where high contrast and resolution are required, such as cellular and subcellular imaging. mKate2, with its far-red emission, is particularly useful in in vivo imaging and applications where autofluorescence is a concern, as its longer wavelength allows for clearer visualization in complex biological systems.

Conclusion

While both mCherry and mKate2 are valuable tools in the field of optical engineering and molecular biology, their differences in origin, emission spectrum, brightness, photostability, and preferred applications make them suitable for distinct types of research and imaging needs.