Synonym: R-(+)-2-(2,6-Dioxo-3-piperidinyl)-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione
Empirical Formula (Hill Notation): C13H10N2O4
Molecular Weight: 258.23
CAS Number: 2614-06-4
assay
98% (HPLC) | |
form | powder |
color | white to beige |
solubility | DMSO: soluble15 mg/mL, clear |
originator | Celgene |
storage temp. | room temp |
Gene Information | human ... LITAF(9516), TNF(7124) mouse ... Nos2(18126) rat ... Nos1(24598) |
(-)-Thalidomide selectively inhibits biosynthesis of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-). (R)-Thalidomide is called "safe enantiomer", but it can be converted in the body to (S)-isomer.
Thalidomide is soluble in DMSO at a concentration that is greater than or equal to 20 mg/ml. It is insoluble in ethanol and water.
Thalidomide has been used to study its teratogenic effects in chicken embryos and human embryonic cells. This study reported that thalidomide causes limb defects by stabilizing PTEN, inhibiting the expression of Akt and activating caspase-dependent apoptosis[1]. Thalidomide has also been used for studying glutathione mediated teratogenic resistance in mouse embryos[2].