Tetrabenazine, TBZ

Primary Target
VMAT2

Reversible: yes

Toxicity: Harmful (C)

A cell permeable benzoquinolizine based compound that acts as a monoamine-depleting agent by blocking the activity vesicular monoamine transporter 2. Promotes late-stage differentiation of Pdx1-positive pancreatic progenitor cells into Neurog3 (Ngn3)-positive endocrine precursors without increasing their proliferation. Increases the number of insulin expressing cells in a dose dependent manner (EC₅₀ = 220 nM) and this effect is significantly enhanced when cells are simultaneously treated with dibutyryl cAMP. Embryonic stem cells treated with TBZ and/or dibutyryl cAMP and then grafted into kidney capsule of AKITA mice reduce hyperglycemia, improve fasting blood glucose levels, and show an increase in plasma C-peptide levels.

Please note that the molecular weight for this compound is batch-specific due to variable water content.

Sakano, D., et al. 2014. Nat. Chem. Bio.10,141.

Jankovic, J., et al. 1997. Neurobiology48,1358.
Gertrude, P.Q., et al. 1959. J. Pharm. Exp. Ther.127, 103.

Packaged under inert gas

Following reconstitution, aliquot and freeze (-20°C). Stock solutions are stable for up to 3 months at -20°C.

CALBIOCHEM is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany