Protecting groups for biological labeling

Abstract

Alpha-haloketones are useful alkylating agents for coupling to sulfhydryl-containing biomolecules. However, they react spontaneously with water, alkali and organic bases and therefore cannot be stored for extended periods of time in aqueous solutions, particularly in the presence of proteins at physiological pH. The present invention provides novel solutions to these problems, however, as novel compounds and compositions comprising protected haloketones are disclosed herein. Methods of preparing and using protected haloketones which are useful in a variety of applications-e.g., in assays and conjugation reactions-are also disclosed herein.

Description

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND[0001] Alpha-haloketones are alkylating agents that are useful in a variety of contexts, including the coupling of various molecules to other, sulfhydryl-containing molecules. However, the .alpha.-haloketones possess characteristics that make them problematical and impractical for use in assays and reactions in which the components of a kit for use in such methods need to be stored together and / or for a period of time. For example, the .alpha.-haloketones react spontaneously with water, alkali and organic bases and therefore cannot be stored for extended periods of time in aqueous solutions, particularly in the presence of proteins at physiological pH.[0002] .alpha.-Haloketones are often not used because they are generally too reactive, cause cross-linking of the protein, and are otherwise hydrolytically unstable. Were it not for these problems, their higher reactivity would permit the use of lower concentrations of the drug derivative. Some of the .alpha....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Enables the practical use of alpha-haloketones in diagnostic and synthetic applications by providing stability, solubility, and a biocompatible method for removal, facilitating quantitative coupling and detection of homocysteine in samples.

Problems solved by technology

However, the .alpha.-haloketones possess characteristics that make them problematical and impractical for use in assays and reactions in which the components of a kit for use in such methods need to be stored together and / or for a period of time.

For example, the .alpha.-haloketones react spontaneously with water, alkali and organic bases and therefore cannot be stored for extended periods of time in aqueous solutions, particularly in the presence of proteins at physiological pH.

.alpha.-Haloketones are often not used because they are generally too reactive, cause cross-linking of the protein, and are otherwise hydrolytically unstable.

Some of the .alpha.-haloketones are also insufficiently soluble for use in such contexts.

Thus, despite their potential usefulness in a number of diagnostic and synthetic applications, the .alpha.-haloketones are often considered too unstable to be used in such applications.

However, it is often difficult to obtain quantitative coupling in this matter without using high concentrations of one or both protein members and / or attaching multiple or single alkylating agents to one of the proteins.

BABA has limited stability when stored above physiological pH and limited solubility at lower pH.

The percent residual sodium chloride can be further reduced by additional cold water washes of the precipitated product with a concomitant loss in product yield.

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