Biochem/physiol Actions
Readily polymerizes in aqueous solution, forming a stable free radical that inhibits protein-nucleic acid interactions. It is a potent inhibitor of ribonuclease and topoisomerase II by preventing the binding of the nucleic acid to the enzyme. It stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation processes including the Jak2/STAT5 pathway in NB2 lymphoma cells, ErbB4 in neuroblastoma cells, and MAP kinases, Shc proteins, phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase and phospholipase Cγ in PC12 cells. Inhibits apoptosis. It prevents down-regulation of Ca2+ -impermeable GluR2 receptors and inhibits calpain, a Ca2+ -activated protease that is activated during apoptosis.
Other Notes
May contain a substantial amount of polymeric material
Application
Used extensively as a powerful inhibitor of cellular processes which are dependent on the formation of protein-nucleic acid complexes.1,2 |