jYCaMP: an optimized calcium indicator for two-photon imaging at fiber laser wavelengths

jYCaMP1, a yellow variant of the calcium indicator jGCaMP7, enables fast multicolor two-photon imaging at excitation wavelengths above 1,000 nm for use with popular ytterbium-doped fiber and modelocked semiconductor lasers. Femtosecond lasers at fixed wavelengths above 1,000 nm are powerful, stable and inexpensive, making them promising sources for two-photon microscopy. Biosensors optimized for these wavelengths are needed for both next-generation microscopes and affordable turn-key systems. Here we report jYCaMP1, a yellow variant of the calcium indicator jGCaMP7 that outperforms its parent in mice and flies at excitation wavelengths above 1,000 nm and enables improved two-color calcium imaging with red fluorescent protein-based indicators.