QUPIC

QUPIC (Quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase inhibitory compound) is a chemical compound that acts as an inhibitor of the enzyme quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT). This enzyme is involved in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a crucial coenzyme in all living cells. QUPIC is often used in biochemical and pharmacological research to study the role of QPRT and NAD+ in various biological processes and diseases.

Chemical Structure and Properties

QUPIC is a small organic compound with a molecular weight of approximately 300 g/mol. Its chemical structure consists of a quinoline ring, which is a type of heterocyclic compound, attached to a phosphoribosyl group. This structure allows QUPIC to bind to the active site of QPRT and inhibit its activity.

Biological Role and Mechanism of Action

The primary role of QUPIC is to inhibit the activity of QPRT. QPRT is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of quinolinic acid to nicotinic acid mononucleotide, a precursor of NAD+. By inhibiting QPRT, QUPIC reduces the production of NAD+ in cells.

The mechanism of action of QUPIC involves binding to the active site of QPRT. This binding prevents quinolinic acid from interacting with QPRT, thereby inhibiting the enzyme's activity.

Applications in Research

QUPIC is widely used in biochemical and pharmacological research. It is often used to study the role of QPRT and NAD+ in various biological processes, such as cellular respiration, DNA repair, and cell signaling. In addition, QUPIC is used in research on diseases that are associated with abnormalities in NAD+ metabolism, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and aging.

Safety and Toxicity

As with any chemical compound, QUPIC should be handled with care. It is recommended to use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling QUPIC to prevent exposure. The toxicity of QUPIC is not well-studied, and it is not known whether it has any adverse effects on human health.