Rapamycin (Sirolimus) | CAS 53123-88-9 | mTORC1 Inhibitor (Research Use Only) | Knowlux

Product Description

Rapamycin, CAS 53123-88-9, is a macrolide triene antibiotic supplied by Knowlux for laboratory research use. It is also known by its INN name sirolimus and the trade name Rapamune. The molecular formula is C51H79NO13 and the molecular weight is 914.17 g/mol. Each lot is released with a lot-specific COA, MSDS and full analytical traceability.

Identity and regulatory clarification: CAS 53123-88-9 is consistently recorded across the NCI, Thermo Fisher and Abcam as rapamycin/sirolimus with formula C51H79NO13. It is approved by the FDA as an immunosuppressant (Rapamune) for organ transplant rejection prophylaxis and for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). Commercial listings describe rapamycin as an anti-aging or anti-cancer compound; those designations attach to investigational research contexts or unregulated supplement markets and do not apply to, and are not represented by, this research-grade lot.

Product Parameters

Product Details

1. Overview

Rapamycin is a naturally occurring macrolide triene antibiotic first isolated from the soil bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus found on Easter Island (Rapa Nui). It was initially investigated for antifungal activity but was later found to possess potent immunosuppressive and antiproliferative properties. The compound is approved by the FDA as sirolimus (Rapamune) for the prevention of organ transplant rejection and for the treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). In research settings, rapamycin is the prototypical allosteric inhibitor of mTORC1 and is widely used to dissect mTOR signalling pathways. Knowlux supplies rapamycin as a research-grade material for laboratory and analytical use; this supply is not intended for human administration and does not constitute a finished drug product.

2. Mechanism of Action (Research Context)

Published research describes rapamycin as a specific, allosteric inhibitor of mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1). The molecular mechanism involves rapamycin first binding to its intracellular receptor, FKBP12 (FK506-binding protein of 12 kDa). The resulting rapamycin-FKBP12 complex then interacts with the FRB (FKBP12-rapamycin binding) domain of mTOR, inhibiting mTORC1 kinase activity. Because mTORC1 is a central regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism, rapamycin treatment produces downstream effects including inhibition of S6K1 phosphorylation, reduction in protein synthesis, and cell cycle arrest in certain cell types. Importantly, rapamycin is an incomplete mTOR inhibitor: it suppresses some but not all mTORC1 substrates, and does not directly inhibit mTORC2 in most cell types. These descriptions are derived from published research and are provided for scientific reference only. Knowlux makes no claims regarding the efficacy, safety, or suitability of this product for any human application. Promotion of rapamycin for anti-aging, lifespan extension, cancer treatment, or any therapeutic indication is not supported by Knowlux and is inconsistent with research-use-only supply.

3. Quality Control

4. Applications

• Reference standard for mTOR inhibitor analytical method development

• In vitro mTORC1 signalling and autophagy research models

• FKBP12 binding and protein-protein interaction studies

• Immunosuppression and T-cell proliferation research models

• Longevity and aging research models (investigational)

• LC-MS and biochemical assay calibrators

5. Packaging, Storage & Shipping

Powder: amber glass vial or high-barrier foil bag under nitrogen headspace, sealed with tamper-evident closure. Secondary packing: light-protected carton with desiccant. Cold-chain shipping with validated gel packs and temperature logger; dry ice for -20 C shipments. COA, MSDS, packing list and certificate of origin issued with each shipment.

6. Documentation Support

Per lot: COA, MSDS, certificate of origin, residual solvent statement, heavy metal statement, specific rotation report. Specification summaries and audit support available on a project basis.

About Knowlux

Knowlux Biotechnology is a GMP-oriented manufacturer and supplier of peptides, APIs and fine-chemical research compounds, operating from Hubei, China. We serve research groups, CDMOs and distributors in more than 40 countries, and support contract synthesis, custom packaging and technical documentation requests.

Compliance Statement

This product is supplied for laboratory research use only. It is not for human or animal administration, not for diagnostic or therapeutic use, not for retail sale, and not for personal use. Rapamycin (sirolimus) is approved as a prescription medicine (Rapamune) in many jurisdictions for organ transplant rejection prophylaxis and lymphangioleiomyomatosis; that regulatory status is specific to the approved pharmaceutical product and does not extend to this research-grade supply as sold by Knowlux. Rapamycin carries a boxed warning regarding increased susceptibility to infection, lymphoma, and malignancy, as well as other serious risks including embryo-fetal toxicity and male infertility; these warnings apply to the approved drug product and are noted here for reference only. Research context statements are for scientific reference only and do not constitute medical advice, promotional claims, or dosing guidance.