New ratiometric fluorescent calcium indicators with moderately attenuated binding affinities

Mono-halogenated derivatives of the calcium indicators fura-2 and indo-1 were synthesized and their spectroscopic properties evaluated. Halogenation ortho or para to the bridging oxygen in the BAPTA nucleus had a more pronounced weakening effect on binding affinity than in the meta position in the fura derivatives. Two new excitation ratioable fluorescent calcium indicators, benzothiaza-1 and 2, were also synthesized. Kd values of 400 nM to 5.3 microM [Ca2+] were observed in these families of new probes.