N-ethylmaleimide

N-ethylmaleimide (also known as NEM) is a organic compound that is commonly used in biochemistry and molecular biology research. It is a derivative of maleimide, and is known for its ability to irreversibly inhibit enzymes that require a cysteine residue for their activity.

Structure and Properties

N-ethylmaleimide is a small, water-soluble molecule with the chemical formula C6H7NO2. It consists of a five-membered ring structure with two double bonds, an amide group, and an ethyl group. The molecule is planar due to the presence of the double bonds in the ring.

Uses

N-ethylmaleimide is primarily used in research as a protein modifier. It reacts with the thiol groups in cysteine residues, forming a stable covalent bond. This reaction is irreversible, which makes NEM a useful tool for inhibiting enzymes that require a cysteine residue for their activity.

In addition to its use in enzyme inhibition, NEM is also used in the study of protein structure and function. By modifying specific cysteine residues, researchers can investigate the role of these residues in the protein's activity.

Safety

N-ethylmaleimide is considered a hazardous substance. It can cause skin and eye irritation, and may be harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Proper safety precautions should be taken when handling this compound.

See Also

• Protein modification
• Enzyme inhibition
• Biochemistry
• Molecular biology