Aurothioglucose (CAS 12192-57-3)

Aurothioglucose, also known as gold thioglucose, is a gold-containing compound that has been utilized primarily in research settings to explore the biochemistry of gold compounds. The molecule consists of a glucose moiety linked to a gold atom through a sulfur atom, which confers distinct chemical properties compared to other organogold compounds. In research, aurothioglucose has been employed to study the interaction of gold with biological systems, particularly looking at how gold atoms can influence cellular processes and enzyme activities at a molecular level. The mechanism of action of aurothioglucose involves the inhibition of certain cellular enzymes by the gold ion, which can lead to alterations in cellular signaling pathways and metabolic processes. This inhibition is often due to the strong affinity gold has for sulfur and selenium atoms found in active sites of various enzymes, altering their structure and function. Additionally, researchers have used aurothioglucose to induce experimental models of inflammation in animals to study the anti-inflammatory properties of gold and to understand the underlying mechanisms of immune modulation by gold compounds. Through such studies, aurothioglucose provides valuable insights into the potential applications and effects of gold in biological systems, enhancing our understanding of its biochemical and pharmacological profiles.