ML349

ML349 is a potent, selective small molecule inhibitor of acyl protein thioesterase 2 (APT2, also known as lysophospholipase 2 or LYPLA2). ML349 reversibly and competitively inhibits APT2 with a Ki of 120 nM and an IC50 of approximately 144 nM, displaying more than 20-fold selectivity over the related enzyme APT1. ML349 is primarily used as a biochemical tool in research settings to dissect the biological roles of APT2/LYPLA2 and protein depalmitoylation. Studies indicate that ML349 does not significantly impact downstream NRAS signaling or cell viability in tested melanoma models, underscoring its selectivity and intended use as a research probe.