2-NBDG | 186689-07-6

2-NBDG, or 2-(N-(7-Nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)-2-deoxyglucose, is a fluorescent analog of the sugar glucose, utilized in various scientific research areas due to its unique properties. As a glucose analog, 2-NBDG is primarily used for studying glucose uptake in biological systems because it mimics glucose behavior during cellular intake. This labeling feature enables researchers to efficiently track the metabolic pathways of glucose within different organisms. The fluorescence property of 2-NBDG allows for highly sensitive detection, making it a prominent tool in monitoring cellular activities and metabolic functions under varying conditions. Its ability to integrate into the cellular glucose metabolism without engaging in additional metabolic processes highlights its utility in accurately mapping glucose pathways in both normal and pathological states.

One vital application of 2-NBDG is in cancer research, where it is used to investigate cellular glucose metabolism, which is often upregulated in cancer cells due to their increased energy requirements. By monitoring the uptake of 2-NBDG in cancerous tissues, researchers can observe metabolic alterations and identify potential therapeutic targets or diagnostic markers. This aids in distinguishing cancerous tissues from healthy ones based on their glucose uptake rates. The ability to visualize these differences non-invasively further strengthens the significance of 2-NBDG in developing cancer treatment strategies and in delineating tumor boundaries during surgical procedures.

In neuroscience, 2-NBDG assists in exploring the brain’s metabolic activities. Neurons heavily depend on glucose for energy, therefore, tracking glucose uptake with 2-NBDG can help unravel neurological functions and dysfunctions. Mapping these metabolic pathways creatively supports research into diseases such as Alzheimer’s, where variations in glucose metabolism might indicate disease progression or neuronal losses. Furthermore, 2-NBDG’s application facilitates the understanding of neural activities during tasks or responses to stimuli by observing real-time glucose utilization changes in various brain regions.

Another area of application is diabetes research. By employing 2-NBDG, scientists can study insulin-mediated glucose uptake to analyze how diabetic conditions affect cellular glucose transport mechanisms. It offers insights into insulin function or resistance by visualizing and quantifying glucose uptake in tissues like muscle and fat under different conditions, which is crucial for understanding diabetes pathophysiology and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. This method supports developing new drugs or treatment strategies by providing a clear visual and quantitative measure of glucose handling in diabetic versus non-diabetic tissues.

Additionally, 2-NBDG is utilized in exercise physiology to observe how physical activity influences glucose uptake in muscle cells. This provides valuable insights into the benefits of regular exercise on glucose metabolism and energy balance. By analyzing how muscles take up glucose during and after exercise with 2-NBDG, researchers can optimize training regimens and nutritional strategies for enhancing athletic performance or managing metabolic conditions. This also assists in understanding muscle glycogen replenishment processes and the metabolic shifts that occur with various types and intensities of physical activity.