Overview
Rapamycin, first discovered in soil samples from Easter Island (Rapa Nui), is a macrocyclic lactone produced by the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus. It gained prominence for its potent immunosuppressive effects, leading to its FDA approval in 1999 for preventing organ transplant rejection. Beyond immunosuppression, rapamycin exhibits antiproliferative properties by inhibiting the mTOR pathway, making it valuable in oncology and aging research. Recent studies highlight its potential in treating tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), neurodegenerative diseases, and even extending lifespan in model organisms. Its versatility and mechanism of action continue to drive pharmaceutical and biotech research.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Rapamycin is a white crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 914.172 g/mol. It is highly lipophilic, reflected in its solubility profile: readily soluble in organic solvents like DMSO and methanol but nearly insoluble in water. The compound is stable under recommended storage conditions but degrades upon prolonged exposure to light, heat, or humidity. Its chemical structure includes a triene macrocycle and a pipecolic acid moiety, critical for binding to FKBP12 and inhibiting mTOR. Analytical methods like HPLC and LC-MS are commonly used to assess purity, which typically exceeds 98% for pharmaceutical-grade material.
Main Applications
In clinical settings, rapamycin is primarily used as an immunosuppressant to prevent kidney transplant rejection, often in combination with other drugs like tacrolimus. Its antiproliferative effects are leveraged in oncology, particularly for treating renal cell carcinoma and mantle cell lymphoma under the trade name Rapamune. Research applications include studying mTOR signaling pathways, which regulate cell growth and metabolism. Emerging uses involve age-related diseases, with studies suggesting rapamycin may delay aging in mice. Off-label applications explore its efficacy in autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Safety and Storage
Rapamycin requires careful handling due to its immunosuppressive nature. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and lab coats is mandatory to avoid dermal or inhalation exposure. Chronic exposure may increase infection risk or trigger metabolic side effects like hypertriglyceridemia. Storage mandates protection from light and moisture at 2–8 °C. Solutions in DMSO should be aliquoted to avoid freeze-thaw cycles. Disposal must comply with local hazardous waste regulations, as rapamycin can persist in the environment.
B2B Procurement Guide
When procuring rapamycin, prioritize suppliers with ISO or GMP certifications to ensure quality. Key specifications include purity (≥98%), endotoxin levels (<0.1 EU/mg), and residual solvent content. Bulk purchases often require negotiation for discounts and logistical planning due to cold-chain shipping needs. Documentation should include certificates of analysis (CoA), safety data sheets (SDS), and export compliance paperwork. For research-grade material, verify batch-specific data like HPLC traces. Alternative forms (e.g., lyophilized powder or ready-made solutions) may suit different applications.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：ELISA试剂盒、PCR试剂盒、科研试剂
- 主营：人elisa试剂盒报价、ELISA试剂盒、抗体
- 主营：酶cγ链、α2巨球、素d合成、纤连蛋白、抗组蛋白、肌醇抗体、蛋白样环、敏感蛋白、牛骨钙素、蛋白重链、金属肽酶、乳球蛋白、钩端螺旋、蛋白激酶、高血糖素、钙调蛋白、小鼠α1抗、ELISA试剂盒、pcr检测试剂、生化检测试剂
- 主营：大鼠雷帕霉素靶蛋白、试剂盒、ELISA试剂盒、ELISA检测试剂盒
- 主营：人雷帕霉素靶蛋白、检测试剂盒
- 主营：igg抗体、糖蛋白、试剂盒、人瘦素、人蛋白、人胆酸、脂蛋白、粗纤维、猪睾酮、烯二酮、nad激酶、测试盒、牛瘦素、牛胆酸、原果胶、磷酸酶、犬肾素、含水量、甜菜碱、igm抗体、dna抗体、磷脂酶、大鼠超、犬叶酸、样受体
- 主营：雷帕霉素靶蛋白、elisa试剂盒
- 主营：抑制物、糖蛋白、试剂盒、人色氨酰、人促睡眠肽、人精氨酸酶、人β葡糖苷酶、人β内酰胺酶、人潜伏膜蛋白、人二氢嘧啶酶、释放因子、炎性蛋白、刺激因子、生长因子、武装因子、钙黏蛋白、淋巴细胞、成孔蛋白、趋化因子、免疫球蛋白、节苷脂抗体、二聚化蛋白、肝炎病毒抗体、活化黏附因子、凋亡抑制因子
- 主营：人雷帕霉素靶蛋白、试剂盒
- 主营：elisa试剂盒、小鼠elisa试剂盒、大鼠elisa试剂盒、人elisa试剂盒、植物elisa试剂盒、鱼elisa试剂盒、猪elisa试剂盒、牛elisa试剂盒、鸡elisa试剂盒、兔elisa试剂盒、犬elisa试剂盒
- 主营：scl-70igg、试剂盒、葡聚糖、人1α羟、人胰岛素、大鼠11β、16α羟基、1iga抗体、胶原c端、2-he2elisa、1igm抗体、25二羟基、17羟孕酮、dna糖苷酶、5α还原酶、研启生物、去氢血栓、胶原n末端、大鼠8羟基、25羟基维生、2，5寡腺苷、大鼠25羟基、11脱氢血栓、羟基壬烯醛、三磷酸肌醇
- 主营：ELISA检测试剂盒
- 主营：elisa试剂盒、试剂盒、抗体
- 主营：试剂盒、ELISA试剂盒、PCR试剂盒、科研细胞系
- 主营：人雷帕霉素靶蛋白C1、elisa试剂盒