Tunicamycin (CAS 11089-65-9) Suppliers and Product Information

Tunicamycin is a mixture of antiviral nucleoside antibiotics produced by Streptomyces lysosuperificus. It contains at least 10 homologues comprising uracil, N-acetylglucosamine, an 11-carbon aminodialdose called tunicamine, and a fatty acid linked to the amino group of the tunicamine. The homologues vary in the composition of the fatty acid moiety.

Tunicamycin acts by blocking the formation of N-glycoside linkages to proteins via inhibition of formation of dolichol monophosphate from N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphate. It inhibits glycoprotein biosynthesis, including virus membrane glycoproteins, and has been widely used in studying glycoproteins in various biological systems.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tunicamycin

Q: What are the main uses of Tunicamycin?

A: Tunicamycin is primarily used as a research tool for studying glycoprotein synthesis in various biological systems. It inhibits N-linked glycosylation, blocks the synthesis of all N-linked glycoproteins and N-glycans, and causes cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. It's also used to study the effects of protein glycosylation inhibition on cellular processes.

Q: How does Tunicamycin work?

A: Tunicamycin inhibits the N-acetylhexosamine (HexNAc) phosphotransferase family of enzymes. In bacteria, this prevents peptidoglycan biosynthesis. In eukaryotes, it inhibits N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) phosphotransferase (GPT), preventing the first step in N-linked glycosylation and inducing the unfolded protein response and cell death.

Q: What are the safety considerations when handling Tunicamycin?

A: Tunicamycin is classified as toxic (T). It should be handled with care, using appropriate personal protective equipment. The risk statement R28 indicates it's very toxic if swallowed. Safety measures include wearing protective gloves, clothing, and eye/face protection (S28, 37, 39) and seeking immediate medical attention in case of an accident (S45).

Q: How should Tunicamycin be stored?

A: Tunicamycin should be stored at 2-8°C. It's stable for 2 years from the date of purchase when supplied. Solutions in DMSO or ethanol may be stored at -20°C for up to 1 month. The compound is sensitive to moisture and light, so it should be protected from these factors during storage.