Merck, M2537-5MG, Mevastatin

General description
Chemical structure: statin
Mevastatin is a polyketide that belongs to the class of statins. It contains a hydroxy-hexahydronaphthalene ring.
Application
Mevastatin has been used:
to analyze its effects on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells by cytotoxic assay
as a prenylation inhibitor to analyze its effects on human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells transfected with K-Ras
as a statin agent to study its anti-cancer effect on human breast cancer cells and glioblastoma in vitro

Biochem/physiol Actions
Mevastatin is a selective inhibitor of 3-hydroxy 3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme(A) reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), a major enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis. It acts as a cholesterol-lowering agent. Mevastatin is obtained from various species of fungi. It acts as an antiresorptive agent and has therapeutic effects to treat osteoporosis. Mevastatin inhibits bone resorption by triggering osteoclast apoptosis. It is also involved in the inhibition of prenylation of proteins such as Ras. Mevastatin increases endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) mRNA and protein levels by blocking the geranylgeranylation of transcription factor Rho.
Features and Benefits
This compound was developed by Daiichi-Sankyo. To browse the list of other pharma-developed compounds and Approved Drugs/Drug Candidates, click here.
Packaging
Bottomless glass bottle. Contents are inside inserted fused cone.