veratric acid

Veratric acid (3,4-dimethoxybenzoic acid) is a small molecule compound derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that exhibits anti-cancer properties, particularly in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It functions by targeting and inhibiting HECT domain E3 ubiquitin protein ligase D2 (HECTD2), a protein that supports ferroptosis resistance in cancer cells. By binding to HECTD2, veratric acid initiates ferroptosis—a form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation—leading to the inhibition of tumor cell vitality and proliferation. Research indicates that veratric acid treatment increases levels of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial superoxide, Fe2+, and malondialdehyde (MDA), while downregulating ferroptosis-related markers like GPX4 and SLC7A11. It has demonstrated efficacy in both in vitro cell models and in vivo xenograft models of renal cell carcinoma.

Other names

3,4-dimethoxybenzoic acid