Atractyloside A (CAS 126054-77-1)

Atractyloside A is a naturally occurring diterpenoid glycoside that primarily functions by inhibiting the adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT), an integral protein in the mitochondrial membrane responsible for the exchange of ADP and ATP between the mitochondrial matrix and the cytosol. This inhibition disrupts cellular energy metabolism by preventing ATP produced in the mitochondria from being transported into the cytosol where it is needed for various energy-dependent processes, leading to a decrease in cellular ATP availability and an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential. In research, Atractyloside A has been extensively used as a tool to study mitochondrial function and cellular energy metabolism. It allows scientists to dissect the role of ANT in the regulation of mitochondrial permeability transition, a critical event in cell death pathways, and to explore the mitochondrial mechanisms underlying various physiological and pathological states. Additionally, by blocking ATP/ADP exchange, Atractyloside A helps in elucidating the broader implications of mitochondrial dysfunction in cellular metabolism, providing insights into how cells respond to metabolic stress. This compound, therefore, serves as a valuable probe in bioenergetics research, enhancing understanding of fundamental cellular processes and mitochondrial dynamics.