phendione

Phendione, also known as phanquinone, is a small molecule phenanthroline derivative that historically served as an amoebicide and antibacterial agent. Recent research has identified it as a potent agonist of the bitter taste receptor T2R5 (TAS2R5). In the context of oncology, specifically head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), phendione activates endogenously expressed T2R5, triggering sustained intracellular calcium responses that lead to reduced cell viability and the induction of apoptosis. This mechanism suggests a potential tumor-suppressive role for T2R5 in HNSCC. Beyond its role as a T2R5 agonist, phendione is a known metal chelator, which contributes to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various pathogens.

Brand names

Entobex

Other names

phanquinonephanquone1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione