Reversine, 1 mg

A small molecule from STEMCELL Technologies, this 2,6-disubstituted purine derivative functions as a MEK/ERK pathway inhibitor that targets MEK1. It also inhibits the human A3 adenosine receptor, non-muscle myosin II heavy chain, and Aurora B kinase. The compound is supplied as a crystalline solid with a reported purity of > 98%.

Marketed for stem cell research, the molecule is principally used in reprogramming applications. Published studies describe its ability to induce dedifferentiation of lineage-committed murine myoblasts to multipotent progenitors with osteogenic and adipogenic potential, and to induce dedifferentiation of primary mouse and human dermal fibroblasts into myogenic-competent cells. It has also been reported to induce dedifferentiation of annulus fibrosus cells to multipotent mesenchymal progenitors capable of developing along chondrogenic, osteogenic, or adipogenic lineages.

Additional published work has examined this compound in cancer research contexts, including studies reporting inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of polyploidy in cancer cell lines, as well as induction of differentiation in the human embryonal carcinoma cell line NT2 and the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL60. For storage, the product is stable at -20°C as supplied and should be protected from prolonged exposure to light. It is soluble in DMSO at ≤ 25 mM and has low solubility in aqueous media; for use as a cell culture supplement, stock solution should be diluted into culture medium immediately before use.