Synthesis of alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->2)-alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3) -alpha-D-Glcp-O-(CH2)8 COOCH3 for use in the assay of alpha-glucosidase I activity.

The chemical synthesis of alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->2)-alpha-D-Glcp p-(1-->3) -alpha-D-Glcp-O-(CH2)8 COOCH3 (9), a substrate specific for alpha-glucosidase I, is reported. This enzyme removes the terminal alpha-D-Glcp unit to produce alpha-D-Glcp-(1-->3)-alpha-D-Glcp-O-(CH2)8 COOCH3 (10). This is the first synthetic substrate described for glucosidase I that allows kinetic evaluation of substrates and inhibitors of this enzyme. Tetramethylrhodamine was coupled to 9 through an ethylenediamine linker to produce a brilliant red derivative. Addition of this fluorescent dye did not affect enzyme binding to the substrate, as determined by a comparison of the Km value (1.3 mM). The fluorescent label allows visual detection of 2-3 pmol of product by TLC.