Sigma-Aldrich® Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, ≥99% (TLC), film or powder

Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) is a potent phorbol ester known for its ability to activate protein kinase C (PKC) and induce a wide range of biological processes. With ≥99% purity (verified by TLC), this compound is widely used in molecular biology, immunology, cancer research, and signal transduction studies. PMA is available in a film or powder form and is soluble in DMSO and ethanol.

Key Features:

1. High Purity:
   • Guaranteed purity of ≥99% (TLC) ensures consistent and reliable experimental results.
2. Potent PKC Activator:
   • Directly stimulates protein kinase C (PKC), influencing downstream signaling pathways involved in cell growth, differentiation, and immune regulation.
3. Wide Applicability:
   • Used to study diverse cellular processes, including inflammation, tumor promotion, and oxidative stress.
4. Photosensitive Stability:
   • Requires storage in the dark at −20°C to maintain stability, with DMSO solutions stable for at least six months.
5. Versatile Solubility:
   • Soluble in DMSO and ethanol, suitable for preparing aqueous solutions by dissolving in water-miscible organic solvents.

Specifications:

Applications:

1. Protein Kinase C Activation:
   • Activates PKC, enabling studies on cell signaling, gene transcription, cell growth, and immune response regulation.
2. Cancer Research:
   • Utilized as a tumor promoter in experimental models for studying tumorigenesis and potential therapeutic strategies.
3. Oxidative Stress Studies:
   • Induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, providing a model to investigate oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme responses.
4. Cell Differentiation and Activation:
   • Promotes differentiation of THP-1 monocytes to macrophages.
   • Induces respiratory bursts in neutrophil-like cells derived from HL-60 cells.
   • Activates T-cells, lymphocytes, and spleen cells when used in conjunction with Ionomycin calcium salt.
5. Immunology Research:
   • Stimulates immune cells, enabling studies on cytokine production and immune cell interactions.

Protocol Overview:

1. Prepare Stock Solution:
   • Dissolve PMA in DMSO or ethanol to prepare a stock solution at the desired concentration.
2. Dilute for Use:
   • Further dilute the stock solution in the appropriate cell culture medium or buffer for experimental applications.
3. Protect from Light:
   • Store prepared solutions in the dark at −20°C to maintain stability.
4. Perform Assay:
   • Add the prepared PMA solution to cells or reaction mixtures as per experimental requirements.

Ordering Information:

Storage and Handling:

• Storage:
  • Store at −20°C in a tightly sealed container.
• Stability:
  • DMSO solutions are stable for 6 months when stored at −20°C and protected from light.
• Handling:
  • Handle with care as PMA is photosensitive.

Safety Information:

• CAS Number: 16561-29-8
• Hazard:
  • PMA exhibits high inflammatory properties and can cause tissue damage if mishandled.
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood.

Related Products:

1. Ionomycin Calcium Salt:
   • For use in conjunction with PMA for T-cell activation studies.
2. PKC Antibodies:
   • Detect downstream effects of PKC activation.
3. ROS Detection Kits:
   • Quantify reactive oxygen species production induced by PMA.

Regulatory Notes:

• For Research Use Only: Not for human or animal therapeutic or diagnostic use.

Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) is a powerful tool for cellular and molecular biology research, providing unmatched reliability for studies involving PKC activation, immune signaling, and cancer biology. Its high purity and versatile applications make it a must-have reagent for advanced experimental workflows.