What Is Guanosine?
Guanosine is a nucleoside formed by the combination of guanine and ribose, a monosaccharide, connected via a β-N9-glycosidic bond.
Nucleosides, such as guanosine, encompass compounds comprising a base and sugar, including adenosine, uridine, thymidine, and cytidine, among others. Guanosine, with the IUPAC name 2-amino-9-[(2R,3R,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]purin-6-one, is also known as guanine riboside, with abbreviations G or Guo.
Uses of Guanosine
Guanosine derivatives serve as crucial nucleic acid-related reagents. Through multiple phosphorylation steps, guanosine transforms into guanylic acid (GMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), guanosine diphosphate (GDP), and guanosine triphosphate (GTP).
These phosphorylated guanosines play pivotal roles in various biochemical processes, including nucleic acid and protein synthesis, photosynthesis, muscle contraction, and intracellular signal transduction. Notably, GTP interacts with diverse proteins, regulating biochemical reactions; proteins binding to GTP are termed GTP-binding proteins.
For instance, GTP-binding proteins influence cell division initiation: activation prompts cell division, while inactivation halts it. Dysregulation, where abnormal GTP-binding proteins remain activated, can lead to uncontrolled cell division, known as “oncogenesis”.
Properties of Guanosine
With a chemical formula of C10H13N5O5 and a molecular weight of 283.24, guanosine, registered under CAS number 118-00-3, appears as a white, odorless, crystalline powder at room temperature, forming needle-like crystals.
It exhibits solubility in acetic acid but remains insoluble in organic solvents like ethanol, diethyl ether, benzene, and chloroform. Solubility in water reaches approximately 700 mg/L at 18°C.
Guanosine undergoes hydrolysis under acidic conditions, yielding guanine and ribose. Additionally, treating guanosine with nitrite produces xanthosine.
Other Information on Guanosine
1. Production of Guanosine
Guanosine naturally occurs in the pancreas, clover, coffee trees, and pine pollen. Alternatively, enzymatic dephosphorylation of guanylic acid, derived from RNA hydrolysis under basic conditions, synthesizes guanosine.
2. Handling and Storage Precautions
Handling Precautions
Exercise caution to avoid contact with oxidants during handling and storage. Utilize appropriate protective gear, including gloves, goggles with side shields, and long-sleeved clothing, while working in a well-ventilated area. Wear a dust mask if necessary and wash hands thoroughly after use.
In Case of Fire
In the event of combustion, carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) may form. Move the chemical to a safe location if feasible; otherwise, cool it with water while wearing protective gear. Employ water spray, powder, carbon dioxide, dry sand, or foam to extinguish the fire.
In Case of Skin Contact
Upon skin contact, remove contaminated clothing and rinse the affected area with copious amounts of water and soap. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
In Case of Eye Contact
If guanosine enters the eyes, flush with water for at least 15 minutes, avoiding eye injury, and seek immediate medical assistance.
Storage Guidelines
Store guanosine in a cool, dark location in a sealed glass, fluoroplastic, or polyethylene container. Secure the storage area.