AG Scientific Cantharidin, Specific protein phosphatase

Description:

Cantharidin is a terpenoid compound produced by blister beetles. It acts as a potent and selective inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and inhibits protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) at higher concentrations. Useful in inhibition of PP2A and PP1 during purification of phosphorylated proteins. This inhibitor also weakly suppresses the activity of protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B).

It is known that cantharidin induces apoptosis in many types of tumor cell. It is reported that it causes down-regulation of CCAT1 related to PI3K/Akt signaling so that inhibits proliferation and metastasis. The toxin is a poisonous vesicant and toxic to some pests.

Applications:

• Inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A
• Used for anticancer agent
• Component of pesticides

References:

• "Cantharidin: Potent Feeding Deterrent to Insects"
• “The Effects of Cantharidin and Cantharidin Derivates on Tumour Cells”
• “Cantharidin suppresses gastric cancer cell migration/invasion by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway via CCAT1”