8-bromo-cyclic AMP

8-bromo-cyclic AMP (8-Br-cAMP) is a cell-permeable, metabolically stable analog of the intracellular second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). It acts as a potent agonist for cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac). The substitution of a bromine atom at the 8-position of the adenine ring renders the molecule significantly more resistant to hydrolysis by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) compared to endogenous cAMP, allowing for sustained activation of downstream signaling cascades. In experimental biology, 8-Br-cAMP is widely used to investigate the role of cAMP in diverse physiological processes, including the modulation of ion channels (such as HCN and BK channels), regulation of gene expression via CREB phosphorylation, and the control of cellular functions like decidualization, insulin secretion, and smooth muscle relaxation.

Other names

8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate8-bromo-cAMP