title: Three-input logic gates with potential applications for neuronal imaging.
abstract: Convenient methods for the direct visualization of neurotransmitter trafficking would bolster investigations into the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, tunable fluorescent molecular logic gates with applications to neuronal imaging have been developed. The three-input AND molecular logic gates are based on the coumarin-3-aldehyde scaffold and designed to give a turn-on fluorescence response upon the corelease of glutamate and zinc from secretory vesicles via exocytosis. Spectroscopic studies reveal an 11-fold fluorescence enhancement under conditions mimicking exocytosis. Methylation of the scaffold was used to optimize the spectral profile of the sensors toward desired excitation wavelengths. A binding study that elucidates the sensor-analyte interactions is presented. These sensors serve as a proof-of-concept toward the direct imaging of neurotransmitters released upon exocytosis using fluorescent molecular logic gates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri 601 South College Avenue, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States.
authors.forename: Kenneth S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Hettie
authors.forename: Jessica L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Klockow
authors.forename: Timothy E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Glass
mesh_terms: D039301:Computers, Molecular; D003374:Coumarins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D005089:Exocytosis; D005453:Fluorescence; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D061848:Optical Imaging; D022142:Secretory Vesicles / Q000378:metabolism; D015032:Zinc / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D003374:Coumarins; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D018698:Glutamic Acid; D015032:Zinc