Actinomycin C (CAS 8052-16-2)

Actinomycin C, with the CAS number 8052-16-2, is a member of the actinomycin group of compounds, which are chromopeptide lactones produced by various species of the bacterium Streptomyces. This compound is particularly noted for its role in binding to DNA, where it intercalates between specific guanine-cytosine base pairs, thereby inhibiting the transcription process. By inserting itself into the DNA double helix, actinomycin C disrupts the elongation phase of RNA synthesis, preventing RNA polymerase from advancing along the DNA template to transcribe genes. This unique mechanism makes it a powerful tool in molecular biology research for studying gene expression and the effects of transcription inhibition on cellular processes. Researchers utilize actinomycin C to understand the dynamics of gene regulation, to dissect the pathways involved in cellular response to transcription stress, and to explore the complex relationship between DNA structure and function. Additionally, its ability to halt RNA synthesis allows scientists to use actinomycin C in experiments designed to measure rates of RNA synthesis and decay, providing valuable insights into the stability and lifespan of various RNA molecules within cells. Through these applications, actinomycin C enhances our understanding of cellular biochemistry and the genetic mechanisms that underpin cellular function and response.