Y-27632

Chemical compound

Chemical structure of Y-27632

Y-27632 is a selective inhibitor of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), which is a downstream effector of the small GTPase RhoA. This compound is widely used in scientific research to study the role of ROCK in various cellular processes, including cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis.

Chemical Properties

Y-27632 is a pyridine derivative with the chemical formula C₁₄H₂₁N₃O. It is a water-soluble compound that can be easily administered in biological experiments. The molecular structure of Y-27632 allows it to interact specifically with the ATP-binding site of ROCK, thereby inhibiting its kinase activity.

Mechanism of Action

Y-27632 functions by inhibiting the activity of ROCK, which is involved in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. ROCK phosphorylates various downstream targets, leading to changes in cell shape, motility, and contraction. By inhibiting ROCK, Y-27632 can prevent these cellular changes, making it a valuable tool for studying the role of the Rho/ROCK pathway in various physiological and pathological processes.

Applications in Research

Y-27632 is extensively used in cell culture to enhance the survival and proliferation of stem cells, particularly human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). It has been shown to improve the efficiency of cell reprogramming and to maintain the pluripotency of stem cells in culture.

In addition to stem cell research, Y-27632 is used to study the mechanisms of cancer cell invasion and metastasis. By inhibiting ROCK, researchers can investigate the role of the Rho/ROCK pathway in tumor progression and identify potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.

Therapeutic Potential

Although primarily used as a research tool, Y-27632 has potential therapeutic applications. Its ability to modulate the actin cytoskeleton and cell motility suggests that it could be used to treat diseases characterized by excessive cell migration, such as fibrosis and cancer. However, further research is needed to evaluate its safety and efficacy in clinical settings.

Related Pages

• Rho-associated protein kinase
• Stem cell
• Cancer
• Cell migration