azoxymethane

Azoxymethane is a potent carcinogenic and neurotoxic small molecule used primarily in biological research. It is the oxide of azomethane and is particularly effective at inducing colon carcinoma in laboratory animals, especially rodents. Azoxymethane acts as a DNA-damaging agent by inducing O6-methylguanine adducts in DNA, leading to G→A transitions and subsequent tumorigenesis. It is widely used to create animal models for studying the mechanisms of colon cancer progression and chemoprevention strategies[1][2][4][5][8]. Azoxymethane is not approved for human use; it serves exclusively as a research tool.

Other names

azoxymethaneDiazene, dimethyl-, 1-oxidemethane, azoxy-CCRIS 67CCRIS67CCRIS-67