Description
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is an heptapeptide ester hepatotoxin and tumor promoter. MC-LR is an equally potent and selective inhibitor of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A). PP2B is less sensitive and PP2C is not inhibited up to 4µM. It is useful for affinity-purification of PP2A. The product is not cell-permeable except in liver cells, which appear to have a functional uptake system. It is absorbed by hepatocytes via the multi-specific organic anion transporter. It does not induce any effects on mouse skin or human fibroblasts due to cell membranes impermeability. It, also, has no effect on protein kinases. It is less toxic than the more hydrophobic analogs MC-LF (Prod. No. ALX-350-081), -LW (Prod. No. ALX-350-080), and -LY (Prod. No. ALX-350-148). It frequently contaminates fresh-water lakes and ponds and causes livestock poisonings. Ozonation leads to complete loss of toxicity and toxins from contaminated samples