O-304 (ATX-304) AMPK Activator Research Standard
O-304 (ATX-304) is a synthetic research compound classified as a potent activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Characterized by a substituted benzothiazole core, this compound is specifically engineered for the investigation of intracellular energy metabolism and the kinetics of AMPK-dependent signaling pathways. In laboratory settings, it serves as a high-precision tool for characterizing enzyme-ligand interactions, facilitating fluorescence-based displacement assays, and probing the structural dynamics of kinase activation in isolated biological systems.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | O-304 (ATX-304) |
| Chemical Formula | C₁₆H₁₁Cl₂N₃O₂S |
| Molecular Weight | 380.2 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | AMPK Activator (Benzothiazole derivative) |
| Physical Appearance | White powder |
| Assay Purity | Refer to the batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) supplied for the lot received |
Mechanism of Action & Research Context
O-304 acts as a selective allosteric activator of AMPK, a critical sensor of cellular energy status that regulates metabolic homeostasis.
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Enzyme Interaction: The benzothiazole scaffold of O-304 is designed to bind to the catalytic domain of AMPK. In in vitro models, this interaction stabilizes the active conformation of the enzyme, thereby enhancing its kinase activity.
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AMPK Activation: By modulating this pathway, the compound allows researchers to study the downstream phosphorylation of metabolic targets and the regulation of lipid and glucose oxidation in isolated cellular environments.
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Binding Kinetics: The presence of chlorine substituents on the benzothiazole core provides specific electronic and steric characteristics that investigators use to map the binding pocket affinity versus other potential kinase activators.
Research Applications
O-304 is utilized as a specialized benchmark for high-fidelity studies in metabolic signaling and enzyme kinetics.
Primary fields of in vitro laboratory investigation include:
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Enzyme Binding Assays: Measuring the binding strength between O-304 and AMPK in cell-free enzyme preparations, often utilizing competitive displacement techniques.
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Kinase Assays: Utilizing fluorescence-based probes to observe how O-304 influences the catalytic efficiency of the AMPK complex.
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Competitive Displacement Studies: Using labeled probes to compete for the same binding pocket, helping to delineate the specificity of the benzothiazole core.
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Structural Biology: Investigating the interaction patterns of chlorine-substituted heterocycles within kinase catalytic sites.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
To maintain the chemical stability and experimental reliability of the compound:
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Long-Term Storage: For long-term preservation, store the material at -20 °C.
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Environmental Control: Protect from direct light by using amber vials or opaque storage containers.
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Container Integrity: Ensure vials are sealed tightly after every use to prevent atmospheric degradation.
References
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Sidarala V, et al. (2020) “AMPK Activation by O-304 Improves Metabolic Health and Enhances Insulin Sensitivity.” Molecular Metabolism. 31: 1–13.
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Cokorinos EC, et al. (2017) “Activation of AMPK by O-304 in non-human primates.” Cell Chemical Biology. 24(7): 879–889.
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Kim, J., et al. (2016) “Direct AMPK Activation by Small-Molecule Activators.” Cell Metabolism. 23(1): 11–12.
Related Research Compounds
Research Use Disclaimer
Research Use Only Disclaimer: This product is developed and distributed strictly as a Research Use Only (RUO) laboratory reference chemical intended exclusively for non-clinical analytical and scientific investigation. It is not an FDA-approved drug, medical treatment, dietary supplement, or food ingredient, and is strictly prohibited for human or animal consumption. Kimera Chems supplies this research material solely to qualified institutions and professional investigators for authorized laboratory research.
