Actinomycin D

- Overview
  - Actinomycin D is an antineoplastic antibiotic that inhibits cell proliferation by acting as a cytotoxic inducer of apoptosis against tumor cells.
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    Background
    
    Actinomycin is a cyclic polypeptide-containing antibiotic that binds to DNA and inhibits RNA polymerase activity. Because Actinomycin can bind DNA duplexes, it can also interfere with DNA replication, although other chemicals such as hydroxyurea are better suited for use in the laboratory as inhibitors of DNA synthesis. Actinomycin D and its fluorescent derivative,7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD), are used as stains in microscopy and flow cytometry applications. The affinity of these stains/compounds for GC-rich regions of DNA strands makes them excellent markers for DNA. 7-AAD binds to single stranded DNA; therefore it is a useful tool in determining apoptosis and distinguishing between dead and alive cells.
- Properties
  - CAS Number
    
    50-76-0
    
    Molecular Formula
    
    C62H86N12O16
    
    Molecular Weight
    
    1255.42
    
    Appearance
    
    Red or orange powder
    
    Solubility
    
    1mg/mL in Acetonitrile - Clear and red or orange solution
    
    Other Properties
    
    Source: Streptomyces Sp.
    Assay: ≥95.0%
    Loss on Drying: ≤5.0%
    Melting Point: 243°C - 248°C
    Identification: Passes test
    
    Storage
    
    -20°C
    
    * For research use only
- Applications
  - Application Description
    
    Plant Biology Applications: Actinomycin D is used in plant tissue culture to inhibit plant growth through tissue deformation. It also acts as an RNA-synthesis inhibitor. Exposure of Actinomycin D at concentrations of 12-20 ug/ml for 3-4 hours in pea and soybean plants caused significant tissue deformation.
    
    Cancer Applications: Actinomycin-D is used to treat Wilms' tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, germ cell tumors, gestational trophoblastic disease, Ewing's sarcoma, testicular cancer, melanoma, choriocarcinoma, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, uterine sarcomas, Kaposi's sarcoma, sarcoma botryoides and soft tissue sarcoma.