17-DMAG (CAS 467214-20-6)

17-DMAG, bearing the CAS number 467214-20-6, is a synthetic derivative of the natural product geldanamycin, which is part of the ansamycin group of antibiotics. This compound functions primarily as an inhibitor of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a critical molecular chaperone involved in the proper folding and function of numerous client proteins, including many signaling kinases and transcription factors. By binding to the ATP-binding pocket of Hsp90, 17-DMAG destabilizes and promotes the degradation of these client proteins, which are often crucial for cellular homeostasis and survival. This mechanism is particularly useful in research settings for studying the role of Hsp90 and its client proteins in various cellular processes such as signal transduction, protein trafficking, and the stress response. Researchers utilize 17-DMAG to induce the depletion of Hsp90 client proteins, thereby dissecting the pathways that depend on these proteins and examining the effects of their downregulation. Additionally, the use of 17-DMAG has allowed for investigations into the cellular response to proteotoxic stress and the mechanisms underlying protein homeostasis. This chemical serves as a powerful tool in molecular biology to explore the complex network of protein interactions and the cellular machinery involved in maintaining proteostasis, enhancing our understanding of cellular regulation and adaptation mechanisms.