2-[(Azidoacetyl)amino]-2-deoxy-D-glucose (CAS 92659-90-0)

2-[(Azidoacetyl)amino]-2-deoxy-D-glucose is a chemically modified glucose molecule extensively used in glycobiology research for studying and manipulating glycosylation, the process of attaching sugar moieties to proteins and lipids. This chemical acts primarily through the incorporation into glycoproteins during their synthesis in the cellular machinery. The azido group introduced in its structure serves as a unique handle that can be targeted by click chemistry, a powerful tool for labeling and tracking the incorporation and destination of this sugar within cells. This capability makes it invaluable for investigating the dynamics and pathways of glycoprotein trafficking and cellular localization in real-time. Additionally, the modification with an azidoacetyl group allows researchers to study the enzymatic preferences and mechanisms of glycosyltransferases, enzymes that play crucial roles in the synthesis of glycoconjugates. The specificity and reactivity of this compound make it an essential component in the toolbox for studying post-translational modifications and their effects on protein function and cellular processes. Through these applications, 2-[(Azidoacetyl)amino]-2-deoxy-D-glucose aids significantly in elucidating the complex biochemical pathways involved in cellular communication and molecular biology.