Dual-labeled glycoclusters: synthesis and their application in monitoring lectin-mediated endocytosis.

To date, many efforts have been made to detect lectins in cells by using single imaging techniques. However, only a few dual-labeled glycan-based probes, which integrate advantageous features of two imaging methods to enhance the visualization of biological processes associated with lectins in cells, have been reported. Herein we describe the synthesis of dual fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging agent conjugated neoglycopeptides and their application in the simultaneous imaging of lectins in mammalian cells. The dual-labeled neoglycopeptides bind to lectins on cell surfaces and subsequently enter the cells via lectin-mediated endocytosis. The results of these efforts show that the novel dual-labeled neoglycopeptides are effective fluorescence and MR imaging agents for monitoring biological processes associated with lectins.