Z-VAD-FMK, 1 mg

A cell-permeable synthetic peptide supplied by STEMCELL Technologies, this pan-caspase inhibitor blocks caspase-mediated apoptosis in vivo and has been shown to enhance the freeze-thaw survival rate of human embryonic stem cells subjected to cryopreservation conditions.

Also known as Z-Val-Ala-Asp-(OMe)-fluoromethyl ketone or ZVAD(OMe)-FMK (CAS Number: 187389-52-2), the compound has the chemical formula C22H30FN3O7 and a molecular weight of 467.5 g/mol, with a purity of ≥ 95%. It is provided as a crystalline solid and is stable for 12 months from date of receipt when stored at -20°C and protected from prolonged light exposure; a desiccant is recommended for long-term storage. The compound is soluble in DMSO at concentrations ≤ 10 mM and has low solubility in aqueous media, so for cell culture applications the DMSO stock should be diluted into culture medium immediately before use, keeping final DMSO concentration below 0.1% to avoid cell toxicity.

In published applications, it has been used to block Fas-induced apoptosis in T lymphocytes in cancer research, and may be used at a final concentration of 50 µM to confirm inhibition of caspase-3/7-like activities in apoptosis assays.