(R)-Shikonin

Biological Activity

(R)-Shikonin is a PTEN and inflammasome inhibitor. Inhibits PTEN's phosphatase activity (IC₅₀ = 2.7 μM) and NLRP3 activation. Also blocks TNF-α and NF-κB signaling. Attenuates HIV-1 replication at nanomolar concentrations. (R)-Shikonin suppresses glycolysis in cancer cells by inhibiting tumor-specific pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) (IC₅₀ = 0.3 μM) and inhibits tumor proliferation. Induces necroptosis in MCF-7 and HEK293 cancer cell lines. (R)-Shikonin also displays anti-inflammatory activity in a mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis.

Technical Data

The technical data provided above is for guidance only. For batch specific data refer to the Certificate of Analysis.
Tocris products are intended for laboratory research use only, unless stated otherwise.

Background References

1. The therapeutic potential of PTEN modulation: targeting strategies from gene to protein.
   McLoughlin et al.
   Cell Chem.Biol., 2018;25:19
2. A naphthoquinone derivative, shikonin, has insulin-like actions by inhibiting both phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 and tyrosine phosphatases.
   Nigorikawa et al.
   Mol.Pharmacol., 2006;70:1143
3. NLRP3 lacking the leucine-rich repeat domain can be fully activated via the canonical inflammasome pathway.
   Hafner-Bratkovic et al.
   Nat.Commun., 2018;9:5182
4. Shikonin and its analogs inhibit cancer cell glycolysis by targeting tumor pyruvate kinase-M2.
   Chen et al.
   Oncogene, 2011;30:4297
5. Shikonin circumvents cancer drug resistance by induction of a necroptotic death.
   Han et al.
   Mol. Cancer Ther., 2007;6:1641
6. Shikonin, a Component of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Inhibits Chemokine Receptor Function and Suppresses Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
   Chen et al.
   Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 2003;47:2810
7. The efficacy of shikonin on cartilage protection in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis.
   Kim et al.
   Korean J.Physiol.Pharmacol., 2010;14:199

Product Datasheets