Epigenetics
Epigenetics research delves into the molecular mechanisms that control gene expression and cellular traits without altering the underlying DNA sequence. One crucial aspect of this field is the role of small molecules, which act as powerful regulators of epigenetic modifications. These small compounds, typically comprising a few dozen to a few hundred atoms, have emerged as essential tools in understanding and manipulating the epigenome.
- DNA Methylation Inhibitors: Small molecules like 5-azacytidine and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine are DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. They block the addition of methyl groups to DNA, leading to DNA demethylation. This can reactivate silenced genes, potentially offering therapeutic avenues for conditions like cancer.
- HDAC inhibitors: HDACs remove acetyl groups from histone proteins, contributing to gene repression. Small molecule HDAC inhibitors, such as Vorinostat and Romidepsin, can reverse this process by increasing histone acetylation, allowing genes to be more accessible for transcription. These inhibitors are being explored for cancer therapy and other conditions.
- Histone Methyltransferase Inhibitors: Small molecules like GSK126 inhibit specific histone methyltransferases, affecting histone methylation patterns. This can alter gene expression, making them promising candidates for cancer and other diseases with epigenetic dysregulation.
- RNA Modulators: Small molecules can also target non-coding RNAs involved in epigenetic regulation. For instance, small molecules called small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can be designed to target and degrade specific long non-coding RNAs, influencing gene expression.
- Epigenetic Reader Domain Inhibitors: These small molecules target proteins that recognize and bind to specific epigenetic marks. Examples include inhibitors of bromodomain-containing proteins (BET inhibitors), which can disrupt gene regulation by interfering with protein-DNA interactions.
Small molecules in epigenetics research not only provide insights into the fundamental biology of gene regulation but also hold immense promise for developing novel therapeutics. Their ability to selectively modulate specific epigenetic marks and pathways has led to ongoing clinical trials and drug development efforts for various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Understanding and harnessing the power of these small molecules is at the forefront of modern epigenetics research, offering new hope for precision medicine and targeted therapies.
3 key components involved in the regulation of epigenetic modifications
Epigenetics Writer
Epigenetics writers are enzymes responsible for adding chemical marks or modifications to DNA or histone proteins. These marks include DNA methylation (addition of methyl groups to DNA) and histone modifications (such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, etc.).
Epigenetics Reader
Function: Epigenetics readers are proteins that can recognize and bind to specific epigenetic marks on DNA or histones. These reader proteins interpret the epigenetic code and facilitate downstream cellular processes, such as gene activation or repression.
Epigenetics Eraser
Function: Epigenetics erasers are enzymes responsible for removing or reversing epigenetic marks on DNA or histones. This process allows for the dynamic regulation of gene expression and the resetting of epigenetic states during various stages of development and in response to environmental changes.
Catalog No.
Product Name
Application
Product Information
Citations
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PTPN1/PTPN2 Inhibitor
Osunprotafib (ABBV-CLS-484) is an orally active and selective active site PTPN1 (IC50: 2.5 nM) and PTPN2(IC50: 1.8 nM) inhibitor. Osunprotafib has 6-8-fold weaker activity on PTPN9 and no detectable activity on SHP-1 or SHP-2. Osunprotafib increases the sensitivity of human cancer cell lines to IFNγ. Osunprotafib generates robust anti-tumor immunity by enhancing JAK-STAT signalling and reducing T cell dysfunction. -
Antiepileptic Agent
Levetiracetam is an antiepileptic agent that targets the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A. It has been shown to enhance the effects of Temozolomide on glioblastoma stem cell proliferation and apoptosis. Additionally, Levetiracetam modulates histone deacetylase (HDAC) levels, leading to the silencing of MGMT, which further improves the efficacy of Temozolomide. This compound serves as a valuable chemosensitizer in cancer research applications. -
PDE Inhibitor
Theophylline, a potent phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, primarily targets PDE3, leading to relaxation of airway smooth muscle and enhanced bronchodilation. This compound also functions as an adenosine receptor antagonist and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by elevating IL-10 levels and inhibiting NF-κB translocation into the nucleus. Additionally, Theophylline has been shown to induce apoptosis in certain cell types. Its applications are particularly relevant in the research of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). -
DNA Methyltransferase Inhibitor
γ-Oryzanol is an effective inhibitor of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) with a primary focus on DNMT1 and DNMT3a. It demonstrates significant inhibitory activity, with an IC50 of 3.2 μM for DNMT1 and 22.3 μM for DNMT3a. This compound has important implications for epigenetic research and may be useful in studies exploring gene expression regulation and potential therapeutic applications in cancer and other diseases associated with aberrant DNA methylation. -
PIM2 Inhibitor
JP-11646 is a potent pan-PIM inhibitor specifically targeting PIM2 with an IC50 of 0.5 nM. This reversible, ATP non-competitive inhibitor significantly reduces the mRNA levels of PIM1, PIM2, and PIM3. JP-11646 has demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting cell viability in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas of the lung (LCNEC), leading to apoptosis or necroptosis through decreased p-4EBP-1 and altered caspase activity. This reagent is valuable for research applications in SCLC, LCNEC, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), multiple myeloma (MM), and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). -
BRD4 Degrader
PROTAC BRD4 Degrader-6 is a potent small-molecule degrader that targets BRD4, exhibiting an IC50 value of 2.7 nM for the BRD4 BD1 domain. This compound effectively degrades BRD4 protein and leads to the downregulation of c-Myc expression. In vitro studies demonstrate its capacity to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in the pancreatic cancer cell line BxPC3, making it a valuable tool for research in human pancreatic cancer biology. -
PIM-1/2 Inhibitor
Pim-1 kinase inhibitor 10 is a selective inhibitor of PIM-1 and PIM-2 kinases, functioning through both competitive and non-competitive mechanisms. This compound effectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells, demonstrating significant anticancer activity. Additionally, Pim-1 kinase inhibitor 10 activates caspase 3 and 7, further contributing to its potential as a therapeutic agent in cancer research. -
HDAC3 Inhibitor
HDAC3-IN-2 is a potent inhibitor of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), with an IC50 value of 14 nM. This pyrazinyl hydrazide compound exhibits cytotoxicity against triple-negative breast cancer cell lines, demonstrating an IC50 of 0.55 μM for 4T1 cells and 0.74 μM for MDA-MB-231 cells. In in vivo studies using tumor-bearing mouse models, HDAC3-IN-2 effectively enhances histone acetylation levels at H3K9, H3K27, and H4K12 while promoting apoptosis through increased caspase-3, caspase-7, and cytochrome c levels, alongside a decrease in proliferation markers such as Bcl-2, CD44, EGFR, and Ki-67. -
PARP1 Inhibitor
PARP-1-IN-2 is a potent inhibitor of PARP1, exhibiting an IC50 value of 149 nM. This compound demonstrates significant anti-proliferative effects on the A549 human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line and induces apoptosis in these cells. Its favorable ADME profile suggests high permeability across the blood-brain barrier, making it a valuable tool for research in cancer biology and therapeutic applications targeting PARP1-related pathways. -
JAK-STAT Inhibitor
WP-1034 is a selective JAK-STAT inhibitor that exhibits pro-apoptotic and antileukemic properties, particularly in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) models. By blocking the activation of Stat 3 and Stat 5, WP-1034 effectively induces cell cycle arrest and triggers apoptosis in affected cells. This reagent is valuable for research focused on understanding the mechanisms and therapeutic avenues in AML. -
KDM1/CDK1 Inhibitor
KDM1/CDK1-IN-1 is a potent inhibitor of both KDM1 and CDK1, exhibiting IC50 values of 0.096 μM and 0.078 μM, respectively. This compound effectively induces cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase and promotes apoptosis in HOP-92 cancer cells. Additionally, KDM1/CDK1-IN-1 demonstrates significant cytotoxic effects against a range of cell lines, including CCRF-CEM, HOP-92, and Hep-G2, with IC50 values of 16.34 μM, 3.45 μM, and 7.79 μM, respectively. Its ability to target critical regulators of the cell cycle makes KDM1/CDK1-IN-1 valuable for cancer research applications. -
PARP1 Inhibitor
4,4′-Secalonic acid D is a potent inhibitor of PARP1, a key enzyme in the DNA repair pathway. This compound promotes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage, leading to the activation of the caspase-3/GSDME pathway, which triggers apoptosis and pyroptosis in tumor cells. 4,4′-Secalonic acid D exhibits significant anti-tumor activity, making it a valuable tool for cancer research and therapeutic investigations. -
HDAC1/6 Inhibitor
HDAC1/6-IN-3 is a potent inhibitor of histone deacetylases 1 and 6 (HDAC1 and HDAC6). It demonstrates strong inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 1.1 nM for HDAC1 and 2.7 nM for HDAC6. This compound effectively induces cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and promotes both apoptosis and pyroptosis in HepG2 cells. Additionally, HDAC1/6-IN-3 exhibits significant antitumor effects in the HepG2 xenograft model and is valuable for research focused on various types of cancer, including liver, lung, colon, and breast cancers. -
PARP-1 Inhibitor
PARP-1-IN-3 is a potent inhibitor of PARP-1, with IC50 values of 0.25 nM for PARP-1 and 2.34 nM for PARP-2. This benzamide derivative effectively induces apoptosis and leads to G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. PARP-1-IN-3 is valuable for research applications focused on cancer mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. -
LSD1/ DCN1-UBC12 Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitor
WS-384 is a dual inhibitor targeting LSD1 and the DCN1-UBC12 protein-protein interaction, demonstrating IC50 values of 338.79 nM and 14.81 nM, respectively. This compound exhibits significant anticancer activity, facilitating cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and apoptosis in cancer cells. WS-384 serves as a valuable tool for research into non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other related malignancies. -
PI3K/BRD4 Inhibitor
PI3Kα-IN-28 is a potent dual-target inhibitor of PI3K and BRD4. This compound effectively suppresses cell proliferation in various cancer cell lines, including KYSE180 and KYSE450, while also inhibiting migration and colony formation. Additionally, PI3Kα-IN-28 induces G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and promotes cellular senescence by enhancing the proportion of senescent cells. Mechanistically, it decreases the levels of p-AKT and c-Myc, while activating the AMPK-p27 pathway, making it a valuable tool for cancer research, particularly in esophageal cancer studies. -
PIM/PI3K/AKT/mTOR Inhibitor
IBL-302 is an orally available dual inhibitor targeting PIM and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways. It exhibits significant antitumor activity against breast cancer and neuroblastoma, showing in vivo efficacy in nude mouse xenograft models by overcoming trastuzumab resistance. Additionally, IBL-302 enhances the cytotoxic effects of commonly used chemotherapeutic agents, including cisplatin, doxorubicin, and etoposide, making it a valuable compound for cancer research applications. -
SIRT6 Inhibitor
SIRT6-IN-3 is a selective inhibitor of SIRT6, exhibiting an IC50 of 7.49 μM. This compound effectively inhibits the proliferation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells and promotes apoptosis. Additionally, SIRT6-IN-3 enhances the sensitivity of cancer cells to gemcitabine by obstructing the DNA damage repair pathway, making it a valuable tool in pancreatic cancer research. -
JAK2 Inhibitor
Itacnosertib is a selective inhibitor of JAK2, with an IC50 value of 8540 nM, and it also targets FLT3 and ACVR1 (ALK2) with an IC50 of 8 nM. This compound demonstrates significant anti-leukemic activity, making it valuable for research in hematological malignancies. Itacnosertib is utilized in studies investigating the mechanisms of JAK2-mediated signaling pathways and the development of targeted therapies for related disorders. -
JAK Inhibitor
JAK-IN-39 is a potent inhibitor of the Janus kinase (JAK) family, specifically targeting JAK1, JAK2, and JAK3 with IC50 values of 0.05, 1.18, and 0.03 nM, respectively. This compound effectively reduces the viability of TF-1 cells and inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNFα and IFNγ, in vitro. JAK-IN-39 is valuable for research into immune regulation and potential therapeutic applications in inflammatory diseases and hematological malignancies. -
HDAC4 Inhibitor
HDAC-IN-2 is a selective inhibitor of histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) with a notable affinity for Class IIa enzymes. This compound is a valuable research tool for the investigation of epigenetic regulation and the modulation of gene expression. It is particularly suitable for high-throughput screening applications and can aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting HDAC-mediated pathways. -
Natural Product
Curdione, a naturally occurring sesquiterpenoid, exhibits significant anti-platelet aggregation activity and plays a pivotal role in modulating ferroptosis in colorectal cancer through m6A methylation processes involving METTL14 and YTHDF2. This compound is effective in alleviating myocardial infarction-induced oxidative stress via the Keap1/Trx1/GPX4 signaling pathway and mitigating Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Additionally, Curdione demonstrates protective properties against sepsis-induced lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis, and focal cerebral ischemia, while also exhibiting antiproliferative effects against human uterine leiomyosarcoma by targeting IDO1. Its modulation of DNMT1-mediated ERBB4 promoter methylation further supports its vascular protective effects. -
PRMT5 Inhibitor
EPZ015666 is a potent inhibitor of the protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), exhibiting an IC50 of 22 nM. This compound is utilized in research focused on epigenetic regulation and has potential applications in the study of cancer and other diseases associated with aberrant PRMT5 activity. Its selective mode of action makes it a valuable tool for understanding the role of arginine methylation in various biological processes. -
HDAC6 Inhibitor
HDAC6-IN-39 is a potent inhibitor of histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) with an IC50 of 0.0096 μM. By selectively targeting HDAC6, this compound modulates protein acetylation levels, influencing various cellular processes including protein aggregation and autophagy. HDAC6-IN-39 is useful in research focused on neurodegenerative diseases, cancer therapy, and the regulation of immune responses. -
HDAC Inhibitor
Martinostat is a hydroxylated dialkylcarbamate compound that functions as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. It exhibits significant biological activity by altering acetylation levels, which can influence gene expression and cellular responses. This reagent has applications in the study of neurological disorders and cancer, as well as potential use in quantitative imaging of HDAC activity in vivo across various tissues, including the central nervous system and major peripheral organs.
