Okadaic Acid

A naturally occurring polyether marine toxin. Potent and selective inhibitor of protein phosphatases inhibiting PP2A completely at 1 nM and PP1 at higher concentrations, while PP2C is not inhibited [1]. It is an extremely useful tool for studying cellular protein phosphorylation [2]. Induces apoptosis in a variety of cell types [3]. Activates atypical protein kinase isotypes and induces insulin-like effects in adipocytes [4]. 

Caution: SKIN IRRITANT, TUMOR PROMOTOR. Avoid contact.

References:

1) Cohen et al. (1990), Okadaic acid: a new probe for the study of cellular regulation;  Trends Biochem. Sci., 15 98

2) Hardie et al. (1991), Use of okadaic acid to inhibit protein phosphatases in intact cells;  Clin. Methods Enzymol., 201 469

3) Haneji et al. (2013), Okadaic acid activates the PKR pathway and induces apoptosis through PKR stimulation in MG63 osteoblast-like cells;  J. Oncol., 42 1904

4) Standaert et al. (1999), Okadaic acid activates atypical protein kinase C (zeta/lambda) In rats and 3T3/L1 adipocytes. An apparent requirement for activation of Glut4 translocation and glucose transport;  J. Biol. Chem, 274 14074