Cantharidin (#70311) Datasheet Without Images Cell Signaling Technology

For Research Use Only. Not for Use in Diagnostic Procedures.

Background

The terpenoid Cantharidin is a natural toxin secreted by blister beetles as a defense mechanism and during egg laying. Used to treat cancer for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, Cantharidin has also been used as a putative aphrodisiac and wart remover (1). More recently, Cantharidin has been studied as a protein phosphatase inhibitor and anticancer agent. Cantharidin inhibits protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) catalytic subunit activity (IC₅₀= 0.16 mM) more potently than type 1 protein phosphatase (IC₅₀ = 1.7 mM); phosphatase type 2B is only inhibited at high Cantharidin concentrations (2). Cantharidin inhibited pancreatic cancer cell growth and was less toxic against normal pancreatic duct cells. Treatment with Cantharidin caused G2/M cell-cycle arrest, induced apoptosis, and increased pro-apoptotic factor expression (3). Cantharidin treatment of MCF7 cells induced apoptosis and repressed cell growth, adhesion, and migration, likely by downregulating cell surface α2 integrin through PP2A inhibition and the protein kinase C pathway (4).

Molecular Formula

C₁₀H₁₂O₄

Molecular Weight

196.2 g/mol

Purity

>98%

CAS

56-25-7

Solubility

Soluble in DMSO at 20 mg/mL or ethanol at 5 mg/mL.

Storage

Store lyophilized at -20ºC, desiccated. In lyophilized form, the chemical is stable for 24 months. Once in solution, store at -20ºC and use within 2 weeks to prevent loss of potency. Aliquot to avoid multiple freeze/thaw cycles.

Directions for Use

Cantharidin is supplied as a lyophilized powder. For a 10 mM stock, reconstitute 1 mg of powder in 0.51 mL of DMSO. Working concentrations and length of treatment can vary depending on the desired effect.

Background References

Cross-Reactivity Key

H: human M: mouse R: rat Hm: hamster Mk: monkey Vir: virus Mi: mink C: chicken Dm: D. melanogaster X: Xenopus Z: zebrafish B: bovine Dg: dog Pg: pig Sc: S. cerevisiae Ce: C. elegans Hr: horse GP: Guinea Pig Rab: rabbit All: all species expected

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