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Hemi-Indigiosin: A pH and Red-Light Responsive Transmembrane HCl Transporter.
Nol Duindam1, Jasper E Bos1, Felix van Nifterik1
1Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Leiden, 2333 CC, The Netherlands.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|October 31, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed hemi-indigiosin, a novel synthetic anion transporter. This light-deactivable molecule offers improved targeting for therapeutic applications and reduced environmental impact, addressing limitations of current agents.
Area of Science:
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Photopharmacology
Background:
- Synthetic anion transporters are promising therapeutics but lack precise targeting.
- Prodigiosin, a natural product, exhibits diverse biological activities and transports anions.
- Current anion transporter limitations include low targeting efficiency and potential environmental persistence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel synthetic anion transporter with enhanced targeting capabilities.
- To create a light-responsive anion transporter for controlled therapeutic delivery.
- To investigate hemi-indigiosin as a potential therapeutic agent derived from prodigiosin.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and structural characterization of hemi-indigiosin.
- Assessment of HCl transport selectivity and pH-dependent activity.
- Evaluation of light-induced deactivation via photoconversion to the inactive E-isomer.
Main Results:
- Hemi-indigiosin exhibits similar HCl transport selectivity and pH-dependent activity to prodigiosin.
- Visible light effectively deactivates hemi-indigiosin through Z-to-E isomer photoconversion.
- The inactive E-isomer does not expose a chloride-binding site, confirming light-mediated inactivation.
Conclusions:
- Hemi-indigiosin offers dual control of transport activity via pH and light.
- This controllable activity allows for improved targeting of pathological sites.
- Light-induced deactivation minimizes ecological impact after drug excretion.
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