Common Name:Cyclopamine
CAS Number:4354-76-1
Molecular Weight:414.40500
Molecular Formula:C22H22O8
Specification: 98%
Cyclopamine is a Hedgehog (Hh) pathway antagonist with an IC50 of 46 nM in the Hh cell assay.
*The following content is generated by AI and is for reference only.
Cyclopamine powder is a naturally occurring steroidal alkaloid primarily isolated from the corn lily plant (*Veratrum californicum*). Its molecular formula is C27H43NO, and it is uniquely identified by the CAS number 501-98-6. This compound is renowned in the scientific community for its potent biological activity as a specific inhibitor of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. By binding directly to the Smoothened (SMO) protein, Cyclopamine prevents the transduction of Hh signals, thereby blocking cell proliferation and differentiation processes that rely on this critical developmental pathway.
Historically, consumption of *Veratrum* plants by pregnant livestock was linked to severe birth defects, specifically cyclopia, due to the disruption of embryonic development. Modern research has harnessed this mechanism for therapeutic potential, particularly in oncology. Because aberrant activation of the Hedgehog pathway is a driver in various cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma, and pancreatic cancer, Cyclopamine serves as a vital tool for investigating tumor growth mechanisms and developing targeted therapies. It is extensively used in preclinical studies to validate drug targets and understand the role of Sonic Hedgehog signaling in tissue regeneration and stem cell biology.
Beyond cancer research, Cyclopamine powder is utilized in developmental biology to study embryogenesis and organ formation. Researchers employ it to induce specific phenotypic changes in model organisms, providing insights into normal physiological processes. While promising, its application in clinical settings requires careful consideration of toxicity profiles and pharmacokinetics. Currently, it remains a crucial reagent in academic laboratories rather than a widely approved first-line pharmaceutical agent, though derivatives like vismodegib have been developed based on its structural scaffold. The high purity of Cyclopamine powder available today ensures reliable results in biochemical assays, making it an indispensable component for scientists exploring signal transduction pathways and novel anticancer strategies. Its unique mode of action continues to inspire new avenues in drug discovery and molecular medicine.