Synthesis of a novel bioactive photoaffinity probe based on a leaf-movement factor with potential high binding affinity to its receptor molecule

Nyctinastic leaf-movement is induced by the binding of the leaf-movement factor with a motor cell located in the pulvini of the plant. Some receptors of the leaf-movement factor should be involved in this biological event. We developed a novel photoaffinity probe (1) for the detection of receptor molecules. Probe compound 1 bears a photolabeling group on the 2′-position of the glycon moiety, which is near the potential binding site of the molecule with its receptor. This molecular design would be effective for the improvement of photolabeling yield.