Fluorescently tagged iminoalditol glycosidase inhibitors

Glycosidases are enzymes which are responsible for essential sections of carbohydrate metabolism in living cells and organisms. Chemical compounds which stop or slow down such processes are called inhibitors. The most important glycosidase inhibitors are sugar-like molecules, named iminosugars. Some of these are marketed as pharmaceutical compounds. Furthermore, they are important tools for the understanding how glycosidases work. Fluorescently tagged iminosugars are new and their exploitation for fluorescence studies in biochemistry and histology is unprecedented. Fluorescence spectrometry is one of the most versatile and sensitive methods to investigate biological processes and functions. The combination of a good inhibitor with a "glowing" molecule, the fluorophor, results in a unique scenario where the inhibition process can be monitored directly. Furthermore, comparison of inhibitory powers of different molecules can be estimated. In addition, the absence or presence of certain enzymes in cells, organs, and body fluids can be detected, which can be important for metabolic disorders or forms of cancer. These and additional options enable researchers to follow biological activities and functions better and safer than previously possible when they had to rely on radioactive methods. In the course of the project, we have made the first "general" fluorescent glycosidase inhibitors, investigated their inhibitory powers and tested possible applications. From our exploratory work, various options, in particular "bio- chips" appear to be viable for investigations of complex problems at low cost which has resulted in one recent patent application. The project was only possible by close international interaction with renowned experts in various scientific fields.