Background
Actinomycin D is an effective anti-tumor agent and the most widely studied member of the actinomycin group of antibiotics (1). The compound, isolated from soil bacteria of the Streptomyces genus, is comprised of two cyclic pentapeptides bound by a phenoxazone group (2,3). Actinomycin D inhibits mRNA transcription in mammalian cells. Actinomycin D intercalates DNA and stabilizes topoisomerase I-DNA covalent complexes, blocking RNA chain elongation by RNA polymerase and consequently inhibiting protein synthesis (1,4,5). This mechanism of action induces p53-mediated cell cycle arrest in numerous cancer cell lines (6,7) and at high concentrations can induce apoptosis (8). Additional research studies show that Akt mediates actinomycin D-induced p53 expression (9).
- Koba, M. and Konopa, J. (2005) Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online) 59, 290-8.
- Bensaude, O. (2011) Transcription 2, 103-108.
- Lo, Y.S. et al. (2013) Nucleic Acids Res 41, 4284-94.
- Sobell, H.M. (1985) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 82, 5328-31.
- Trask, D.K. and Muller, M.T. (1988) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 85, 1417-21.
- Chang, D. et al. (1999) Cell Growth Differ 10, 155-62.
- Khan, Q.A. and Dipple, A. (2000) Carcinogenesis 21, 1611-8.
- Fraschini, A. et al. (2005) Histol Histopathol 20, 107-17.
- Chen, C.S. et al. (2014) Oncotarget 5, 693-703.
Molecular Formula
C62H86N12O16
Molecular Weight
1255.4 g/mol
Purity
>98%
CAS
50-76-0
Solubility
Soluble in DMSO at 50mg/ml.
Storage
Directions for Use
Actinoymcin D is supplied as a lyophilized powder. For a 10 mM stock, reconstitute the 5 mg in 398.28 μl DMSO. Working concentrations and length of treatment can vary depending on the desired effect, but it is typically used at 10-1,000 nM for 6-48 hr.
Background References
Cross-Reactivity Key
H: human M: mouse R: rat Hm: hamster Mk: monkey Vir: virus Mi: mink C: chicken Dm: D. melanogaster X: Xenopus Z: zebrafish B: bovine Dg: dog Pg: pig Sc: S. cerevisiae Ce: C. elegans Hr: horse GP: Guinea Pig Rab: rabbit All: all species expected
Trademarks and Patents
Limited Uses
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