Okadaic Acid

Product Comments
Okadaic acid is a naturally occurring polyether toxin produced by marine dinoflagellates. It is a potent, selective and cell permeable inhibitor of protein phosphatases (1,2). IC50's (nM): PP2A-0.51; PP1-42; PP2B-5000; PP2C->>10,000 (3,4). PP2B=5000nM, PP2C: no inhibition at 10µM. Treatment of MCF7 cells (breast cancer line), with 100 nM okadaic acid produced time dependent inhibition of PP2A (~80% in 6 h, 100% in 12 h) and essentially no PP1 inhibition, even after 24 hours (5). For use in cells see also reference 6. The selectivity of Okadaic acid for PP2A, PP1, PP2B and PP2C is the basis for an improved identification and quantification procedure for these enzymes (1). The hydrophobic backbone of okadaic acid enables it to enter cells where it stimulates intracellular protein phosphorylation (2). It mimics the effects of insulin (7), enhances transmitter release at neuromuscular junctions (8), causes vasodilation (9) and is a very potent tumor promoter (10). Okadaic acid is an extremely useful tool for studying cellular processes that are regulated by phosphorylation (11).

Species Reactivity
Species Independent

Applications
Phosphatase Inhibition

Format
Colorless oil

Purity
98% by HPLC analysis

For research use only, not for diagnostic or therapeutic use.