D-lyxose-[UL-13C5]

D-lyxose-[UL-13C5] is a uniformly labeled carbon-13 sugar used in various bioscience applications. Here are some key applications of D-lyxose-[UL-13C5]:

Metabolic Flux Analysis: D-lyxose-[UL-13C5] is extremely valuable in metabolic flux analysis to trace the pathways of carbohydrate metabolism in cells. By incorporating this labeled sugar, researchers can monitor the conversion of metabolites in various pathways using mass spectrometry or NMR spectroscopy. This helps in understanding the metabolic network, rate-determining steps, and regulation in different physiological and pathological conditions.

Stable Isotope Labeling: In protein structure and function studies, D-lyxose-[UL-13C5] can be incorporated into glycoproteins as a stable isotope label. This aids in the detailed analysis of protein glycosylation patterns through techniques like NMR and mass spectrometry. Such studies are critical for elucidating the roles of glycosylation in protein folding, stability, and cell signaling.

MRI Tracers: D-lyxose-[UL-13C5] can be used as a tracer in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study tissue-specific uptake and utilization of sugars. By utilizing this labeled sugar in MRI protocols, researchers can obtain visual and quantitative data on carbohydrate metabolism in different tissues. This is useful for diagnosing metabolic disorders and for studying the metabolic changes associated with diseases such as cancer.

Enzyme Kinetics Studies: Researchers use D-lyxose-[UL-13C5] to study enzyme kinetics and substrate specificity in carbohydrate-active enzymes. By tracking the fate of this labeled substrate, it is possible to measure enzyme activity, determine kinetic parameters, and understand the catalytic mechanisms. These insights are vital for enzyme engineering and for designing inhibitors for therapeutic purposes.