Design and Synthesis of an Alkynyl Luciferin Analogue for Bioluminescence Imaging

• Published in: Chemistry : a European journal 2016-03, Vol.22 (11), p.3671-3675
• Main Authors: Steinhardt, Rachel C., O'Neill, Jessica M., Rathbun, Colin M., McCutcheon, David C., Paley, Miranda A., Prescher , Jennifer A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activation; Alkynes; Analogue; Benzothiazoles - chemistry; Bioluminescence; bioluminescence imaging; Chemistry; C−H activation; Diagnostic Imaging; Fireflies; Firefly Luciferin - chemistry; Imaging; Kinetics; luciferase; Luciferases - chemistry; Luciferases, Firefly - chemistry; Luciferases, Firefly - metabolism; luciferin; Luminescent Measurements; Methodology; Sonogashira coupling; Synthesis
• ISSN: 0947-6539; 1521-3765
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.201503944

Herein, the synthesis and characterization of an alkyne‐modified luciferin is reported. This bioluminescent probe was accessed using C−H activation methodology and was found to be stable in solution and capable of light production with firefly luciferase. The luciferin analogue was also cell permeant and emitted more redshifted light than d‐luciferin, the native luciferase substrate. Based on these features, the alkynyl luciferin will be useful for a variety of imaging applications. C−H activation: The synthesis and characterization of an alkyne‐modified luciferin is reported (see scheme). This bioluminescent probe was accessed using C−H activation methodology and was found to be stable in solution and capable of light production with firefly luciferase.