Cerulenin (CAS 17397-89-6) Suppliers and Product Information

Cerulenin is an antifungal antibiotic isolated from Cephalosporium caerulens. It inhibits fatty acid and sterol biosynthesis by binding to β-keto acyl-ACP synthase and blocking the interaction of malonyl-CoA. It also inhibits bacterial fatty acid synthesis by acting on FabH, FabB, and FabF condensation enzymes.

Cerulenin has diverse biological activities, including antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is active against various bacteria (e.g., B. subtilis, E. coli) and fungi (e.g., C. albicans, T. rubrum). In cancer research, cerulenin has shown potential in inhibiting fatty acid synthesis in human cancer cell lines and reducing tumor growth in mouse xenograft models.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cerulenin

Q: What is the primary mechanism of action of cerulenin?

A: Cerulenin primarily acts as an inhibitor of fatty acid synthase (FAS) by binding to β-keto acyl-ACP synthase, blocking the interaction of malonyl-CoA. It inhibits both FAS I and FAS II, affecting fatty acid and sterol biosynthesis.

Q: What are the main applications of cerulenin in research?

A: Cerulenin is widely used in lipid biochemistry research as an inhibitor of fatty acid and sterol biosynthesis. It is also used to study metabolism and function of fatty acids in bacterial cell membranes and yeast. In cancer research, it is investigated for its potential to induce apoptosis in tumor cell lines.

Q: How should cerulenin be stored?

A: Cerulenin should be stored at -20°C. It is 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.