Synthesis of 32P-labeled intermediates on the purine biosynthetic pathway

A fast and efficient route to P-32-labeled intermediates on the purine biosynthetic pathway is described. Adenosine kinase catalyzes the phosphorylation of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICARs) to give [P-32]-5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide (AICAR). This was then hydrolyzed to [P-32]-4-carboxy-5-aminoimidazole ribonucleotide (CAIR). Treatment of CAIR with N5-CAIR mutase gave [P-32]-5-aminoimidazole ribonucleotide (AIR) in milligram quantities. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.