A Fluorescent Sensor and Gel Stain for Detection of Pyrophosphorylated Proteins

Abstract

The design and synthesis of a fluorescent sensor of diphosphate esters along with its application for in-gel detection is described. Dinuclear zinc complex 1 selectively binds diphosphate esters in the presence of various other functional groups, including monophosphate esters. Complex 1 also constitutes a competent stain for visualization of pyrophosphorylated proteins in polyacrylamide gels. This reagent will facilitate the validation and exploration of protein pyrophosphorylation.