Synthetic peptides with selective affinity for apoptotic cells.
The appearance of anionic phosphatidylserine (PS) in the outer monolayer of the plasma membrane is a universal indicator of the early/intermediate stages of cell apoptosis. The most common method of detecting PS on a cell surface is to use the protein annexin V; however, in certain applications there is a need for alternative reagents. Recent research indicates that rationally designed zinc 2,2'-dipicolylamine (Zn2+-DPA) coordination complexes can mimic the apoptosis sensing function of annexin V. Here, a series of fluorescently-labelled, tri- and pentapeptides with side chains containing Zn2+-DPA are prepared and shown to selectively bind to anionic vesicle membranes. Fluorescein-labelled versions of the peptides are used to detect apoptotic cells by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.
DiVittorio
Kristy M
KM
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
Johnson
James R
JR
Johansson
Emma
E
Reynolds
Aaron J
AJ
Jolliffe
Katrina A
KA
Smith
Bradley D
BD