Mycophenolic acid

Synonym(s)

CAS number: 24280-93-1

History
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Mycophenolic acid was isolated and crystallized by Bartolomeo Gosio in 1893. He observed that this mycotoxin inhibited the growth of anthrax pathogens. The correct structure of the substance was clarified by Birkinshaw in 1952.

Definition
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Mycophenolic acid (molecular formula:C17H20O6) is a substance belonging to the mycotoxins produced by the moulds Penicillium brevicompactum, Penicillium carneum and Penicillium roqueforti.

General information
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Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is a highly effective, selective and reversible inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH). Mycophenolic acid inhibits the de novo pathway of synthesis of guanine-containing nucleotides (guanosine). Since the de novo synthesis of purines is essential for the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes, while other cell types can use the salvage pathway, mycophenolic acid has a stronger cytostatic effect on lymphocytes than on other cells. There is a high interindividual variability in the pharmacokinetics of mycophenolic acid. An ester of mycophenolic acid, the mycophenolate mofetil, is used to suppress organ rejection after kidney and heart transplants. After administration, the ester is converted back into free mycophenolic acid in the body.