AM-580

AM-580

AM-580 is a synthetic compound that acts as a selective retinoic acid receptor (RAR) agonist. It is primarily used in scientific research to study the effects of retinoic acid signaling in various biological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis.

Chemical Structure and Properties

AM-580 is a member of the retinoid family, which are compounds structurally related to vitamin A. The chemical structure of AM-580 allows it to selectively bind to the RAR-α subtype of retinoic acid receptors, which are nuclear receptors that regulate gene expression in response to retinoic acid.

Mechanism of Action

AM-580 functions by binding to the RAR-α receptor, which then forms a heterodimer with the retinoid X receptor (RXR). This complex binds to retinoic acid response elements (RAREs) in the promoter regions of target genes, modulating their transcription. This mechanism is crucial for regulating genes involved in cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.

Applications in Research

AM-580 is widely used in research to:

• Investigate the role of retinoic acid signaling in embryonic development.
• Study the differentiation of stem cells into various cell types.
• Explore the potential therapeutic effects of retinoids in cancer treatment, particularly in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).

Pharmacological Effects

In preclinical studies, AM-580 has demonstrated the ability to induce differentiation and inhibit proliferation of cancer cells. Its selective action on RAR-α makes it a valuable tool for dissecting the specific roles of different RAR subtypes in cellular processes.

Safety and Toxicology

As with many retinoids, AM-580 can have teratogenic effects, meaning it can cause developmental abnormalities in embryos. Therefore, its use is primarily restricted to controlled laboratory settings.

Also see

• Retinoic acid receptor
• Retinoid
• Nuclear receptor
• Cell differentiation
• Acute promyelocytic leukemia