1. Product Overview
Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), also known as 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), with CAS 98326-33-1, is a potent diacylglycerol (DAG) analog and a classic activator of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms. With the molecular formula C₃₆H₅₆O₈ and a molecular weight of 616.83 g/mol, it appears as a white to pale yellow crystalline powder at room temperature. PMA binds to the C1 domain of PKC with high affinity (Kd in low nanomolar range), mimicking DAG to activate conventional (cPKC) and novel (nPKC) PKC isoforms, thereby triggering downstream signaling involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and immune cell functions such as oxidative burst and degranulation. It is a cornerstone pharmacological tool in immunology, cancer biology, and signal transduction research, and is also widely used as a tumor promoter in two-stage skin carcinogenesis models. This product is supplied exclusively for laboratory research use and is not intended for clinical, diagnostic, veterinary, food, or cosmetic applications.
2. Key Features and Advantages
• High potency PKC activator: Nanomolar-range PKC activation (EC₅₀ ~1–10 nM in cell-based assays); direct C1 domain binder with broad PKC isoform coverage (α, βI, βII, γ, δ, ε, η, θ).
• Well-established biological effects: Induces HL-60 myeloid differentiation into macrophage-like cells; triggers superoxide production (oxidative burst) in neutrophils and THP-1 monocytes; promotes NF-κB, AP-1, and MAPK pathway activation.
• High purity: Typically ≥99% by HPLC (suppliers offer 99%+), suitable for sensitive cell signaling, Western blot, flow cytometry, and in vivo carcinogenesis studies.
• Good solubility: Readily soluble in DMSO (≥1 mg/mL; prepare 1–10 mM stock in anhydrous DMSO or ethanol), also soluble in chloroform, acetone; practically insoluble in water.
• Consistent batch quality with supporting analytical data (HPLC, LC-MS, NMR) available from qualified suppliers; referenced in thousands of publications since the 1970s as the gold-standard PKC/PMA tool compound.
• Stable under recommended storage when protected from light; light-sensitive phorbol ester that retains activity for years at -20°C or -80°C in dry powder or DMSO stock.
3. Main Applications
• Immunology assays: Inducing oxidative burst / ROS production in neutrophils, THP-1, and HL-60 cells for flow cytometry (DCFDA staining) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) / antioxidant studies.
• Cell differentiation models: Driving HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells to differentiate into macrophage-like cells (with or without retinoic acid co-treatment); THP-1 monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation for inflammation assays.
• Signal transduction research: Activating PKC→NF-κB/AP-1/MAPK cascades; used as positive control in kinase inhibitor screening and C1 domain ligand studies.
• Two-stage skin carcinogenesis: Classic tumor promoter in mouse DMBA-initiation / PMA-promotion protocols for studying skin papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma.
• General research use as a PKC activator probe in cancer biology, platelet activation, endothelial permeability, and neurobiology (PKC-dependent synaptic plasticity).
4. Technical Specifications
5. Storage and Handling
• Store the powdered compound sealed with desiccant, strictly protected from light; recommended storage at -20°C (short–medium term) or -80°C (long term, 2–3 years). For DMSO or ethanol stock solutions, aliquot and store at -80°C wrapped in foil (6–12 months stable); avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles. Typical working stocks are 1 mM or 10 mM in anhydrous DMSO/ethanol, stored in amber tubes.
• Before opening, allow the sealed vial to warm to room temperature to prevent moisture condensation. Keep container tightly closed and wrapped in aluminum foil when not in use.
• Handle in a well-ventilated area or fume hood. Use personal protective equipment including safety glasses, nitrile gloves, and a lab coat. Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with skin or eyes. PMA is a potent tumor promoter and biologically active at nanomolar levels—exercise extreme caution.
• Intended exclusively for laboratory research by qualified personnel; not for human or veterinary use, food, drug, or cosmetic applications.
6. Safety Overview
• PMA is a potent tumor promoter and PKC activator with significant biological activity at nanomolar concentrations. Treat as highly hazardous: may cause severe irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory system; suspected carcinogen/tumor promoter.
• In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of running water for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention. In case of skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water for several minutes.
• If inhaled, move the person to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing; seek medical advice promptly. If ingested, rinse mouth and seek emergency medical attention—do not induce vomiting.
• Use appropriate engineering controls (fume hood, closed handling) and personal protective equipment (safety goggles, nitrile gloves, double gloving recommended, lab coat, face shield for powder handling). Avoid generating dust; work under reduced light or amber lighting if possible.
• Dispose of in accordance with local regulations for hazardous chemical and cytotoxic/tumor-promoter waste. Do not discharge into drains, waterways, or soil.
• For detailed safety information, refer to the applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS) prior to handling; note that many institutions require special authorization for PMA use.
