4-nitrophenyl α-D-mannopyranoside-[1-13C]

4-Nitrophenyl α-D-mannopyranoside-[1-13C] is a synthetic substrate used extensively in biochemical research. Here are some key applications of 4-nitrophenyl α-D-mannopyranoside-[1-13C]:

Enzymatic Activity Assays: This substrate is commonly used to measure the activity of enzymes like α-mannosidases. When the enzyme cleaves the substrate, it releases a 4-nitrophenol moiety, which can be quantified by spectrophotometry. The incorporation of a 13C isotope allows for more refined and detailed studies using mass spectrometry.

Metabolic Pathway Tracing: The 13C labeling in 4-nitrophenyl α-D-mannopyranoside-[1-13C] permits its use as a tracer in the study of mannose-related metabolic pathways. Researchers can trace the metabolic fate of the labeled carbon atom using NMR or mass spectrometry. This helps in elucidating metabolic fluxes and understanding how mannose is processed in various biological systems.

Structural Biology Studies: 4-nitrophenyl α-D-mannopyranoside-[1-13C] can be used in structural biology to study enzyme-substrate interactions. The isotope label provides a distinct signal that helps in tracking the substrate within complex biological samples. This aids in determining the binding affinities and conformational changes of enzymes during catalysis.

Biophysical Research: In biophysical experiments, this substrate can be utilized to investigate the thermodynamics and kinetics of enzyme action. The 13C label allows for precise measurement through advanced techniques like isotope-edited NMR spectroscopy. These studies help in understanding the fundamental principles governing enzyme mechanisms and substrate specificity.