Description
Brefeldin is a fungal metabolite demonstrated to reversibly interfere with anterograde transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus.
Chemical Properties
Since brefeldin is combustible, contamination with oxidizing agents should be avoided to prevent the risk of fire. Direct contact should be avoided as well.
Physical properties
Brefeldin is found naturally as a white to off-white crystalline solid. It forms a clear colorless solution when dissolved. It is soluble in methanol (10 mg/mL), ethanol (5 mg/mL), DMSO (20 mg/mL), acetone, and ethyl acetate (1 mg/mL) without the aid of heating.It is poorly soluble in water (slightly miscible).
Uses
While initially isolated as an antibiotic, and does have a wide range of antibiotic activity, brefeldin is primarily used as a biological research tool for studying protein transport. Treatment leads to a rapid accumulation of proteins within the ER and collapse of the Golgi stacks.
storage
Brefeldin is recommended that it be stored desiccate at -20°C away from direct sunlight.
