In Vitro Production of Ergothioneine Isotopologues

Ergothioneine is an emerging component of the redox homeostasis system in human cells and in microbial pathogens, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Burkholderia pseudomallei. The synthesis of stable isotope-labeled ergothioneine derivatives may provide important tools for deciphering the distribution, function, and metabolism of this compound in vivo. We describe a general protocol for the production of ergothioneine isotopologues with programmable H-2, N-15, C-13, S-34, and S-33 isotope labeling patterns. This enzyme-based approach makes efficient use of commercial isotope reagents and is also directly applicable to the synthesis of radio-isotopologues.

Automated summary

Ergothioneine is considered an important component of the redox homeostasis system in human cells and microbial pathogens. The synthesis of stable isotope-labeled ergothioneine derivatives may provide valuable tools for studying the distribution, function, and metabolism of this compound in vivo. The enzyme-based approach described in the study efficiently utilizes commercial isotope reagents and can also be applied to the synthesis of radio-isotopologues.