D-Xylose-[5-18O]

D-Xylose-[5-18O] is a stable isotope-labeled sugar used in various biochemical and clinical research applications. Here are some key applications of D-Xylose-[5-18O]:

Metabolic Tracing: D-Xylose-[5-18O] is employed in metabolic tracing studies to investigate carbohydrate metabolism in organisms. By tracking the labeled oxygen, researchers can gain insights into the pathways and rates of xylose metabolism. This helps in understanding disorders related to carbohydrate metabolism and developing targeted therapies.

Enzyme Mechanism Studies: D-Xylose-[5-18O] is used to elucidate the mechanisms of enzymes involved in xylose utilization and conversion. By incorporating the labeled substrate into enzyme assays, the kinetics and dynamics of enzyme action can be analyzed. This information is critical for engineering enzymes with improved catalytic properties for industrial applications.

Gut Function Assessment: In clinical settings, D-Xylose-[5-18O] is used to assess the absorption efficiency of the small intestine. Patients ingest the labeled sugar, and its appearance in urine or breath is measured to evaluate intestinal function. This test is particularly useful for diagnosing malabsorption syndromes and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Structural Biology: D-Xylose-[5-18O] can be used in structural biology to study the interactions and structures of proteins that bind to or utilize xylose. By providing a labeled substrate, researchers can use techniques such as NMR or X-ray crystallography to determine binding sites and conformational changes. This aids in understanding the molecular basis of substrate recognition and catalysis.