Synthesis of 2-[(2-pyridyl)amino]ethyl β-D-lactosaminide and evaluation of its acceptor ability for sialyltransferase:: a comparison with 4-methylumbelliferyl and dansyl β-D-lactosaminide

We report the synthesis Of P-D-lactosaminide with a 2-aminopyridyl group that is linked to a glycosyl tether at the reducing end. This fluorescent disaccharide acts as an acceptor for both alpha-(2 --> 6)- and alpha-(2 --> 3)-sialyltransferases. In addition, the acceptor ability of this disaccharide was evaluated and compared with that Of beta-D-lactosaminide having a dansyl or a 4-methylumbelliferyl group. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.