3-Bromopyruvic acid (CAS 1113-59-3)

3-Bromopyruvic acid is a brominated derivative derived from pyruvic acid (sc-208191). This compound presents as a colorless solid with a distinct pungent odor and exhibits solubility in water and alcohol. Widely employed in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and biochemistry, 3-Bromopyruvic acid holds significant versatility. It serves as a catalyst for synthesizing diverse organic compounds and acts as a reagent for producing biologically active substances. Furthermore, the compound finds extensive utilization in scientific research applications. In vitro studies have extensively employed 3-Bromopyruvic acid to explore the effects of various compounds on cells and their ensuing biochemical and physiological impacts. Additionally, it has facilitated investigations into the mechanisms of action of diverse drugs and the identification of potential drug targets. Notably, 3-Bromopyruvic acid has been observed to inhibit HXK II (hexokinase II) in cancer cells, impairing their ability to metabolize glucose into ATP directly. Studies on MCF-7 (sc-2206) breast cancer cells have demonstrated that 3-Bromopyruvic acid reduces the expression of Bcl-2, c-Myc, and mutant p53, which are components of the cell death signal transduction pathway. Furthermore, alternative studies have indicated that 3-Bromopyruvic acid exhibits notable selectivity as an antibiotic, inhibiting the growth of specific yeast strains. While the precise mechanism of action of 3-Bromopyruvic acid remains incompletely understood, it is believed to function as a proton-ionophore. This characteristic allows the compound to transport protons across cell membranes, thereby modulating the activity of enzymes and proteins within cells and inducing a wide array of biochemical and physiological effects.