Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Detection of Human Leukocyte Antigen Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Utilizing Label-free Biosensor Technology
Published on: March 24, 2015
Synthesis and characterization of a deuterium labeled stercobilin: A potential biomarker for autism
Jordan M Coffey1, Andrew J Vadas2, Thomas R Puleo3
1Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Geneseo, Geneseo, New York, USA.
Abstract:
Stercobilin is an end-stage metabolite of hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells. It has been found that there is a significantly lower concentration of stercobilin in the urine of people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, suggesting potential use as a biomarker. In vitro, we have synthesized stercobilin from its precursor bilirubin through a reduction reaction proceeded by an oxidation reaction. In addition, we have isotopically labeled the stercobilin product with deuterium using this protocol. Nuclear magnetic resonance investigations show the products of the unlabeled stercobilin (Rxn 1) and the deuterated stercobilin (Rxn 2) both had a loss of signals in the 5.0- to 7.0-ppm range indicating proper conversion to stercobilin. Changes in the multiplicity of the sp3 region of the proton nuclear magnetic resonance suggest proper deuterium incorporation. Mass spectrometry studies of Rxn 1 show a difference in fragmentation patterns than that of Rxn 2 proposing potential locations for deuterium incorporation. This isotopologue of stercobilin is stable (>6 mo), and further analysis permits investigation for its use as a biomarker and potential quantitative diagnostic probe for autism spectrum disorders.
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Dehydration Synthesis
Dehydration synthesis (also called a condensation reaction) is the chemical process in which two molecules covalently link together to form a new molecule, along with the release of a water molecule. Many physiologically important compounds form by dehydration synthesis reactions, such as complex carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, and RNA.
Synthesis of carbohydrates
Sugar molecules are covalently linked together by dehydration synthesis. During the reaction, the hydroxyl (-OH) group from...
Synthesis and Decomposition Reactions
¹H NMR of Labile Protons: Deuterium (²H) Substitution
Lagging Strand Synthesis
There are several major differences between synthesis of the leading strand and synthesis of the lagging strand. 1) Leading strand synthesis happens in the direction of replication fork opening, whereas lagging strand synthesis happens in the...
Potential Energy
Chemical bonds that form attractive forces between atoms also contain potential energy, called chemical energy. When a chemical reaction...

