Epothilone B, Synthetic (CAS 152044-54-7)

Epothilone B, a synthetic compound with CAS number 152044-54-7, is a chemically engineered version of a natural product originally isolated from the myxobacterium Sorangium cellulosum. This molecule belongs to the epothilone class of compounds, which are recognized for their potent mechanism of action involving the stabilization of microtubules. Epothilone B specifically binds to the β-tubulin subunit of microtubules, promoting their polymerization and simultaneously inhibiting their depolymerization. This action disrupts the normal dynamic equilibrium of microtubules, essential for cell division and intracellular transport. As a result, cells are arrested in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle, leading to the cessation of cell division. In research contexts, Epothilone B is extensively used as a tool to explore the complex behavior of microtubules in cells, particularly in studies focused on the molecular dynamics of cell division and the intracellular transport mechanisms. It allows researchers to dissect the roles of microtubules in maintaining cell structure and function, and to understand how cells respond to altered microtubule dynamics. Through these applications, Epothilone B serves as a critical tool in cellular and molecular biology research, providing insights into the fundamental processes that underpin cell division and stability.