Bafilomycin C1 (CAS 88979-61-7)

Bafilomycin C1 is a member of the bafilomycin family, a group of macrolide antibiotics derived from Streptomyces species. This chemical is particularly known for its role as a specific inhibitor of the vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), an enzyme critical for acidifying a variety of intracellular compartments in eukaryotic cells, including lysosomes, endosomes, and the Golgi apparatus. By binding to the V0 subunit of V-ATPase, bafilomycin C1 effectively prevents the translocation of protons across cellular membranes, thereby disrupting the acidification process essential for many cellular functions such as protein degradation, receptor-mediated endocytosis, and neurotransmitter loading. In research, bafilomycin C1 has been extensively utilized to study the physiological roles of V-ATPase and the impact of intracellular pH regulation on cellular processes. This includes investigations into autophagy, a cellular degradation pathway sensitive to lysosomal pH changes, and studies on the trafficking of proteins and vesicles within cells. The ability of bafilomycin C1 to selectively inhibit V-ATPase has also aided in exploring potential signaling pathways that are modulated by changes in intracellular acidification, providing insights into cellular homeostasis mechanisms and the pathophysiology of diseases where V-ATPase activity is disrupted. Through these applications, bafilomycin C1 serves as a critical tool in cellular and molecular biology, enhancing our understanding of the complex balance of pH within cells and its implications for health and disease.