D-Luciferin, derivatives and analogues: synthesis and in vitro/in vivo luciferase-catalyzed bioluminescent activity

D-luciferin is the natural substrate of all luciferases that catalyze the production of light in bioluminescent insects. The present review covers the synthesis of D-luciferin and derivatives or analogues that are substrates or inhibitors of the luciferase from the American firefly Photinus pyralis, the enzyme more frequently used in techniques of in vitro and optical imaging.