D-luciferin

D-luciferin is a small molecule substrate primarily known for its role in the bioluminescent reaction catalyzed by the enzyme firefly luciferase (Source 1.1.1). In the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), magnesium, and oxygen, luciferase converts D-luciferin into oxyluciferin, a process that releases visible light (Source 1.1.1, 1.3.2). This bioluminescent system is extensively utilized in biomedical research as a highly sensitive reporter to monitor gene expression, cell viability, and ATP levels (Source 1.1.4, 1.3.4). In vivo, D-luciferin is used for non-invasive imaging to track tumor progression, metastasis, and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions in animal models (Source 1.2.2, 1.2.4). Although it is not a therapeutic target, D-luciferin is a substrate for certain ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, such as ABCG2 and MRP4, which can affect its tissue distribution and the resulting signal intensity (Source 1.2.1, 1.3.5). Its membrane permeability and lack of endogenous background make it an ideal tool for real-time visualization of biological processes (Source 1.3.2). Researchers also use D-luciferin derivatives to study specific enzyme activities or to improve brain penetration for neuroimaging (Source 1.2.1, 1.2.3).

Other names

Firefly luciferinBeetle luciferin(S)-2-(6-hydroxy-2-benzothiazolyl)-2-thiazoline-4-carboxylic acidD-(-)-Luciferin

Substrate for luciferase-catalyzed bioluminescence