Fluorinated Analogs of Malachite Green: Synthesis and Toxicity

George A Kraus,Jayeeta Banerjee,Ahmed M Awad,Insik Jeon,Bahram Parvin,Marit Nilsen-Hamilton

doi:10.3390/molecules13040986

George A Kraus, Jayeeta Banerjee + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules13040986

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Abstract

A series of fluorinated analogs of malachite green (MG) have been synthesized and their toxicity to Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a human ovarian epithelial cell line examined. The toxicity profiles were found to be different for these two species. Two analogs, one with 2,4-difluoro substitution and the other with 2-fluoro substitution seem to be the most promising analogs because they showed the lowest toxicity to the human cells.

Highlights

We are developing a new procedure for real-time imaging of gene expression
The probe has the basic feature that its terminal segments hybridize to form a stem in the absence of the target mRNA
The presence of the target mRNA will result in hybridization of the probe via the intervening sequence with the target

Summary

Introduction

We are developing a new procedure for real-time imaging of gene expression. It involves a nucleic acid probe that can be used in conjunction with a 18F-labeled target molecule to image gene expression in vivo [1]. In this study we have tested this question and compared the toxicity levels for human cells with those for yeast cells in which the MG aptamer has been previously shown to function [3]. The general usefulness of this study is: 1) the intrinsic value of the defined toxicity range of MG and some new derivatives for cells from humans and yeast, 2) specific information for groups working with the MG aptamer to provide information regarding potential intracellular ligands for probe development, and 3) the report of new chemical syntheses and the properties of new MG analogs.

Results

Conclusion