FK506, 50mg

A macrolide antibiotic with potent immunosuppressive properties, supplied by STEMCELL Technologies as a crystalline solid with a stated purity of ≥ 99%. The compound, also known as Tacrolimus, has a molecular weight of 804.0 g/mol and the chemical formula C44H69NO12 (CAS 104987-11-3). It inhibits the calcineurin/NFAT pathway and binds with high affinity to FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP-12).

Published research applications include promoting the self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells independent of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and attenuating differentiation following LIF withdrawal. When combined with 1-Azakenpaullone and ID-8, the compound enhances the expansion rates of several human pluripotent stem cell lines. It also inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine production by activated T cells.

Reported solubility values are ~0.15 mg/mL in a 1:5 solution of EtOH:PBS (pH 7.2), ~30 mg/mL in EtOH, and ~20 mg/mL in DMSO and DMF; recommended stock concentrations are ≤ 20 mM in DMSO or ≤ 35 mM in absolute ethanol. The product is stable at -20°C as supplied, should be protected from prolonged exposure to light, and stored with a desiccant for long-term use; it is reported to remain stable for 12 months from the date of receipt. According to the Safety Data Sheet, the compound is toxic if swallowed, is suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child, and causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.