KN612

KN612 (N-phenylmaleimide) is a small molecule inhibitor of the malate-aspartate shuttle (MAS) that specifically targets the mitochondrial oxoglutarate carrier (OGC), encoded by the SLC25A11 gene. By blocking the transport of cytosolic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) into the mitochondria, KN612 disrupts cellular bioenergetics, leading to decreased ATP production and reduced mitochondrial activity. Research conducted by investigators at Yonsei University and Severance Hospital has demonstrated that SLC25A11 is overexpressed in glioblastoma (GBM) compared to normal tissue. In preclinical GBM models, KN612 treatment significantly reduced cell viability, stemness, and invasiveness, and showed remarkable therapeutic responses in mouse orthotopic xenograft models, suggesting its potential as a metabolic-targeted therapy for glioblastoma.

Other names

N-phenylmaleimide