Pseudolaric acid B (CAS 82508-31-4)

Pseudolaric acid B is a naturally occurring diterpene acid extracted from the bark of Pseudolarix amabilis, a tree native to East Asia. This compound has captivated the interest of researchers due to its unique mechanism of action as a mitotic inhibitor. Specifically, Pseudolaric acid B disrupts the normal function of microtubules, cellular structures essential for mitosis. It binds to tubulin, the protein building block of microtubules, thereby inhibiting their polymerization and leading to cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. This action results in the prevention of cellular division, which is a critical process for cell proliferation. In research environments, Pseudolaric acid B serves as a valuable tool for studying cell cycle regulation and the dynamics of microtubule assembly. Its ability to halt the proliferation of cells at a specific phase allows scientists to dissect the roles of various cellular components involved in cell division and to understand the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, studies involving this compound help in exploring the pathways through which cells respond to mitotic disruption, including the activation of apoptosis pathways and the cellular responses to stress, thereby contributing to a broader understanding of cellular behavior under disruptive conditions.