N-Ethylmaleimide

White solid

In cancer research (possible antimitotic activity.)

Reagent for the covalent modification of cysteine residues in proteins. NEM gives a clear solution in ethanol at 50 mg/ml. NEM dissolves in water (>50 mg in 4 ml); however, aqueous solutions are unstable. The rate of hydrolysis is pseudo-first order and significantly dependent on pH.

N-Ethylmaleimide is a protein thiol modifier which inhibits apoptotic DNA fragmentation. It is a sulfhydryl reagent and finds application in experimental biochemical studies as well as in enzymology. It is involved in the modification of cysteine residues in proteins and peptides. It acts as a Michael acceptor and reacts with nucelophiles like thiols. It is employed in the inhibition of Mg2+ dependent internucleosomal DNA fragmentation.

ChEBI: N-ethylmaleimide is a member of the class of maleimides that is the N-ethyl derivative of maleimide. It has a role as an EC 2.1.1.122 [(S)-tetrahydroprotoberberine N-methyltransferase] inhibitor, an EC 2.7.1.1 (hexokinase) inhibitor, an EC 1.3.1.8 [acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (NADP(+))] inhibitor and an anticoronaviral agent. It is functionally related to a maleimide.

Lachrymator when liquid, a strong irritant.

Augments currents from native M-channels in sympathetic neurons and acts as an opener for KCNQ2, KCNQ4 and KCNQ5 channels.

Poison by intraperitoneal route. Human mutation data reported. Vapors are hlghly irritating. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx.