N-Ethyldeoxynojirimycin Hydrochloride (CAS 210241-65-9)

N-Ethyldeoxynojirimycin Hydrochloride is a synthetic analog of the naturally occurring alkaloid deoxynojirimycin, enhanced by the substitution of an ethyl group at the nitrogen atom. This modification increases its lipophilicity and improves its interaction with enzyme active sites, making it a potent inhibitor of various glycosidases. This compound is essential in biochemical research for exploring the processing of glycoproteins and glycolipids. The primary action of N-Ethyldeoxynojirimycin Hydrochloride involves the competitive inhibition of glycosidases. These enzymes break down glycosidic bonds in sugars, and their inhibition can significantly affect cellular processes. N-Ethyldeoxynojirimycin Hydrochloride mimics the structure of these enzymes′ natural substrates, occupying their active sites and preventing the actual substrate from binding. This mechanism is particularly useful in studying the role of glycosidases in the maturation and degradation of glycoproteins and glycolipids. Researchers utilize N-Ethyldeoxynojirimycin Hydrochloride to investigate the metabolism of glycolipids and their role in various metabolic pathways. This includes studying conditions like Gaucher′s disease and other lysosomal storage diseases, where glycolipid accumulation plays a critical role. By blocking glycosidase activity, researchers can observe how this affects cellular functions and glycolipid levels. This compound is also used in studying viral infections, especially those where viral glycoproteins are critical for the virus′s life cycle. By inhibiting the processing of these glycoproteins, N-Ethyldeoxynojirimycin Hydrochloride helps explore potential strategies for interfering with viral entry and assembly.