Antimycin A2 (CAS 27220-57-1)

Antimycin A2, a member of the antimycin antibiotics, plays a pivotal role in biochemical research due to its specific action on the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Like its closely related counterpart, Antimycin A1, Antimycin A2 acts by binding to the Q_i site of cytochrome b within Complex III (the bc1 complex). This binding disrupts the electron transfer from ubiquinol to cytochrome c1, leading to a blockage in ATP synthesis by halting the proton gradient essential for oxidative phosphorylation. The consequence of this inhibition is not only a reduction in energy production but also an increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells. These properties make Antimycin A2 a valuable tool in the study of mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular metabolism. Researchers utilize it to understand better the mechanisms governing mitochondrial response to electron transport chain interruptions, including how cells adapt to changes in energy availability and manage oxidative stress. Moreover, Antimycin A2 has been used in studies exploring the regulation of apoptosis, providing insights into how mitochondrial impairment can influence cell death pathways, crucial for understanding various biological processes and disease states that involve mitochondrial anomalies.