12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate

Chemical compound used in research

12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), also known as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, is a potent tumor promoter and a member of the phorbol ester family. It is widely used in biomedical research to study cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis.

Chemical Properties

TPA is a diester of phorbol, a diterpene derived from the croton oil plant Croton tiglium. It is a lipophilic compound that can easily penetrate cell membranes. The chemical structure of TPA includes a tetradecanoate ester at the 12-position and an acetate ester at the 13-position of the phorbol backbone.

Biological Activity

TPA is known for its ability to activate protein kinase C (PKC), a family of enzymes that play critical roles in signal transduction pathways. By binding to the regulatory domain of PKC, TPA mimics the action of diacylglycerol (DAG), a natural activator of PKC. This activation leads to a cascade of cellular events, including changes in gene expression, cell growth, and differentiation.

Role in Cancer Research

TPA is extensively used in cancer research as a model tumor promoter. It is used to induce tumorigenesis in experimental models, allowing researchers to study the mechanisms of cancer development and progression. TPA's ability to promote tumor formation is linked to its activation of PKC and subsequent modulation of cellular processes such as proliferation and apoptosis.

Use in Immunology

In immunology, TPA is used to stimulate T cells and other immune cells in vitro. It is often used in combination with ionomycin, a calcium ionophore, to activate T cells and study their function and signaling pathways.

Applications in Research

TPA is a valuable tool in various fields of biomedical research, including:

• Cell Biology: To study cell signaling pathways, differentiation, and apoptosis.
• Cancer Research: To investigate the mechanisms of tumor promotion and progression.
• Immunology: To activate immune cells and study their responses.

Safety and Handling

TPA is a potent bioactive compound and should be handled with care. It is classified as a hazardous substance and can cause skin irritation and other adverse effects upon exposure. Proper protective equipment and handling procedures should be followed when working with TPA in the laboratory.

Also see

• Protein kinase C
• Tumorigenesis
• Signal transduction
• Cell differentiation
• Apoptosis