Selective eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit α (elF2α) dephosphorylation inhibitor. Salubrinal is a selective Inhibitor of eIF2α (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 α-subunit) dephosphorylation, and is primarily used experimentally, to study stress responses in eukaryotic cells associated with the action of eIF2. Salubrinal indirectly inhibits eIF2 as a result of reduced dephosphorylation of its α-subunit resulting in activation of stress response pathways usually triggered by events such as oxidative stress or buildup of unfolded protein in the endoplasmic reticulum. Salubrinal can protect PC12 cells from endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis (EC50 = 15 μM) and prevent replication of herpes virus (IC50 = 3 μM), by inhibiting dephosphorylation of eIF2α. As eIF2α has a role in bone formation, salubrinal is also being studied for its effects in osteoporosis. Besides, it also shows potential neuroprotective actions. Although salubrinal has putative therapeutic value due to its function, it is as yet only used experimentally.
