(4-Methylumbelliferyl)-N-acetyl-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-α-D-neuraminic Acid, Methyl Ester (CAS 59361-08-9)

(4-Methylumbelliferyl)-N-acetyl-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-α-D-neuraminic Acid, Methyl Ester is a chemically modified sialic acid derivative used extensively in biochemical research focused on the study of sialic acid metabolism and the enzymatic activities of sialidases (neuraminidases). This compound incorporates a fluorescent 4-methylumbelliferone moiety, which makes it particularly valuable for fluorescence-based assays to monitor enzyme activity in real-time. The acetyl and methyl ester groups protect the molecule from premature degradation and enhance its substrate specificity for sialidase enzymes. In research, this derivative serves as a specific substrate for sialidases, allowing scientists to quantify enzyme activity under various conditions and in different biological samples. By using this fluorescent substrate, researchers can perform kinetic studies to understand the catalytic mechanisms of sialidases, which are crucial for the regulation of cellular processes involving sialic acids, such as cellular adhesion, microbial pathogenesis, and immune responses. The use of such a tool has significantly advanced the field of glycoscience by providing a means to visually track and analyze enzyme actions in complex biological systems, thereby contributing valuable insights into enzyme functionality. This research aids in the broader understanding of glycoprotein and glycolipid dynamics.