CAGED MEMBRANE-PERMEANT INOSITOL PHOSPHATES

摘要

Caged acyloxyalkyl esters of phosphate-containing inositol phosphates capable of permeating cell membranes are disclosed. The second messengers disclosed are protected (caged) at the 6-hydroxyl using a photolabile protecting group. Once inside the cell, the disclosed esterified compounds are enzymatically de-esterified, a process which removes all acyloxyalkyl ester groups. The resulting de-esterified intermediate is disclosed to remain biologically inactive until contacted by, or exposed to, ultraviolet light (UV) in situ, whereupon the active form of the second messenger is released within the cell.