title: Synthetic peptides with selective affinity for apoptotic cells.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
authors: Kristy M
authors: KM
authors: DiVittorio
authors: James R
authors: JR
authors: Johnson
authors: Emma
authors: E
authors: Johansson
authors: Aaron J
authors: AJ
authors: Reynolds
authors: Katrina A
authors: KA
authors: Jolliffe
authors: Bradley D
authors: BD
authors: Smith