Nigericin sodium salt
[CAS# 28643-80-3]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Antibiotics >> Other antibiotics
• Name: Nigericin sodium salt
• Synonyms: Sodium (2R)-2-[(3S,6R)-6-[[(2S,4R,5R,7R,9R,10R)-2-[(5S)-5-[(2R,3S,5R)-5-[(2S,3S,5R,6R)-6-hydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-3,5-dimethyloxan-2-yl]-3-methyloxolan-2-yl]-5-methyloxolan-2-yl]-9-methoxy-2,4,10-trimethyl-1,6-dioxaspiro[4.5]decan-7-yl]methyl]-3-methyloxan-2-yl]propanoate
• Molecular Formula: C₄₀H₆₇NaO₁₁
• Molecular Weight: 746.94
• CAS Registry Number: 28643-80-3
• EC Number: 608-231-4
• SMILES: C[C@H]1CC[C@@H](O[C@H]1[C@@H](C)C(=O)[O-])C[C@@H]2C[C@H]([C@H]([C@@]3(O2)[C@@H](C[C@@](O3)(C)[C@H]4CC[C@@](O4)(C)[C@H]5[C@H](C[C@@H](O5)[C@@H]6[C@H](C[C@H]([C@@](O6)(CO)O)C)C)C)C)C)OC.[Na+]

Properties

• Solubility: Soluble 100 mM (ethanol) (Expl.)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS06;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H301-H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P270-P271-P280-P301+P316-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P330-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H301
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315

• Transport Information: UN 3462

Discovery and Applications

Nigericin sodium salt is a potassium ionophore that has been widely studied for its role in ion transport and its effects on various biological processes. It is derived from the bacterium *Streptomyces hygroscopicus*, and it functions by facilitating the transport of potassium ions across lipid membranes. As an ionophore, nigericin can disrupt the electrochemical gradients of cells by allowing potassium ions to move freely across biological membranes, which can lead to alterations in cellular functions.

Nigericin sodium salt has been utilized in research to study ion channel activity, membrane potentials, and intracellular ion concentrations. The ability of nigericin to transport potassium ions is particularly useful in experiments where researchers need to manipulate cellular ionic environments. This property has made it a valuable tool for studying processes like cell signaling, mitochondrial function, and various ion-dependent cellular activities.

In addition to its use in basic research, nigericin sodium salt has also been explored for its potential therapeutic applications, particularly in the context of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Its ability to alter ion gradients and influence cellular signaling pathways has led to interest in its possible role as a modulator of immune responses or as an agent for targeted cell death in cancer therapies. However, further research is required to fully understand its mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications.

Moreover, nigericin has also been studied for its antimicrobial properties, as it can inhibit the growth of certain bacterial species. Its ionophoric activity could compromise the ion balance within microbial cells, leading to their death. This makes nigericin sodium salt of interest in the development of novel antimicrobial agents, particularly as part of combination therapies aimed at overcoming antibiotic resistance.

In summary, nigericin sodium salt is a potent ionophore with a variety of applications in research, particularly in studying cellular ion transport, membrane dynamics, and cellular signaling. Its potential therapeutic applications, including its role in cancer treatment and antimicrobial therapy, continue to be explored, although further research is needed to fully realize its clinical potential.

References

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